Auburn vs Birmingham: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Auburn, AL and Birmingham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, AL | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,286 | $137,091▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.43 | $65.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,281 | $73,520▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,803▲ | $85,274 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,566 | $164,480▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,693▲ | $168,670 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Birmingham is $21,805 (18.91%). Birmingham's median is +2.18% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $106,412,Birmingham spans $95,150. Auburn 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, Birmingham ($149,591 effective) pays 14.06% more than Auburn ($131,156 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($178,693)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,091/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,591)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Auburn grew 20.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.1% growth in Birmingham over the same period.
Auburn, AL
$92,806 (2024) → $111,711 (2025)
Birmingham, AL
$106,180 (2019) → $132,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, AL
Birmingham, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Auburn or Birmingham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Birmingham?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Birmingham as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Auburn vs Birmingham?
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