Bear vs Smyrna: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Bear, DE and Smyrna, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Smyrna, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,325▲ | $119,222 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.29▲ | $57.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,614 | $79,261▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $94,129▲ | $93,370 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,206▲ | $152,272 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $187,537▲ | $184,794 |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Bear, DE offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Bear and Smyrna is $4,103 (3.44%). Bear's median is -8.08% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $108,923,Smyrna spans $105,533. Bear 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, Bear ($121,264 effective) pays 3.44% more than Smyrna ($117,229 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bear if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,325/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($187,537)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,264)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Bear grew -5.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.7% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Bear, DE
$126,698 (2024) → $119,501 (2025)
Smyrna, DE
$122,483 (2024) → $115,525 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
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