Altoona vs Harrisburg: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Altoona, PA and Harrisburg, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altoona, PA | Harrisburg, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,753▲ | $110,011 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.45▲ | $52.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,245▲ | $74,273 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,185▲ | $83,055 |
| 75th Percentile | $160,964▲ | $143,995 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,918▲ | $167,287 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Altoona, PA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Harrisburg.
The salary gap between Altoona and Harrisburg is $15,742 (14.31%). Altoona's median is -6.27% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altoona spans $112,673,Harrisburg spans $93,014. Altoona has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Altoona ($129,110 effective) pays 15.78% more than Harrisburg ($111,516 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altoona if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($125,753/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($194,918)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,110)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Harrisburg if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Altoona grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.5% growth in Harrisburg over the same period.
Altoona, PA
$119,979 (2024) → $121,854 (2025)
Harrisburg, PA
$112,750 (2019) → $106,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Altoona, PA
Harrisburg, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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