Birmingham vs Montgomery: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Birmingham, AL and Montgomery, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Montgomery, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,091▲ | $121,508 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.90▲ | $58.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,520▲ | $70,474 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,274 | $92,144▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,480▲ | $155,530 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,670 | $188,337▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 32 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Montgomery.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Montgomery is $15,583 (12.82%). 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 Birmingham spans $95,150,Montgomery spans $117,863. Montgomery 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, Birmingham ($149,591 effective) pays 8.22% more than Montgomery ($138,234 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Montgomery if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($188,337)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Birmingham grew 25.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.4% growth in Montgomery over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$106,180 (2019) → $132,840 (2025)
Montgomery, AL
$97,815 (2024) → $117,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Montgomery, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Birmingham or Montgomery?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Montgomery?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Montgomery as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Birmingham vs Montgomery?
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