Auburn vs Buffalo: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Auburn, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $147,780▲ | $113,716 |
| Hourly Rate | $71.05▲ | $54.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,649▲ | $77,895 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,896▲ | $82,034 |
| 75th Percentile | $189,158▲ | $141,033 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $229,060▲ | $169,991 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Auburn, NY offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Auburn and Buffalo is $34,064 (29.96%). Auburn's median is +10.15% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $135,411,Buffalo spans $92,096. 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, Auburn ($127,506 effective) pays 7.47% more than Buffalo ($118,647 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($147,780/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($229,060)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,506)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Auburn grew -14.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -0.0% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Auburn, NY
$167,431 (2024) → $143,198 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$110,220 (2019) → $110,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Auburn or Buffalo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Buffalo?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Buffalo as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Auburn vs Buffalo?
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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