Phoenix vs Mesa: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Mesa, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,590▲ | $76,219 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.82▲ | $36.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,058▲ | $44,208 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,191▲ | $54,878 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,414 | $97,560▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,679 | $118,140▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,480▲ | 98 |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesa.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Mesa is $371 (0.49%). Phoenix's median is -4.73% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $64,621,Mesa spans $73,932. Mesa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Mesa ($77,380 effective) pays 4.38% more than Phoenix ($74,132 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,590/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,480 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,140)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,380)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Phoenix grew -27.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -32.4% growth in Mesa over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$100,540 (2021) → $73,306 (2025)
Mesa, AZ
$107,982 (2024) → $72,951 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Phoenix or Mesa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Mesa?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to Mesa as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Phoenix vs Mesa?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov