Allentown vs Philadelphia: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Allentown, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Allentown, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,662 | $131,859▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.33 | $63.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,806 | $85,398▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,002 | $103,510▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,966 | $172,912▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $200,976 | $225,348▲ |
| Total Employed | 25 | 780▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Allentown.
The salary gap between Allentown and Philadelphia is $2,197 (1.69%). Philadelphia's median is -1.72% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allentown spans $122,170,Philadelphia spans $139,950. Philadelphia has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Allentown ($133,123 effective) pays 3.54% more than Philadelphia ($128,575 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Allentown if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,123)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,859/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($225,348)
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Allentown grew 0.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 18.0% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Allentown, PA
$124,480 (2021) → $125,641 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$108,290 (2019) → $127,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Allentown, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Allentown or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Allentown and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Allentown to Philadelphia as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Allentown vs Philadelphia?
Related Comparisons
Written by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in life insurance. She specializes in risk assessment and pricing strategies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% 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 Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov