Birmingham vs Pelham: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Birmingham, AL and Pelham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Pelham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,091▲ | $109,056 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.90▲ | $52.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,520▲ | $72,175 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,274▲ | $85,171 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,480▲ | $139,064 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,670 | $168,773▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pelham.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Pelham is $28,035 (25.71%). 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,Pelham spans $96,598. Pelham 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 20.57% more than Pelham ($124,068 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 Pelham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,773)
- ✓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 Pelham over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$106,180 (2019) → $132,840 (2025)
Pelham, AL
$87,790 (2024) → $105,674 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Pelham, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Birmingham or Pelham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Pelham?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Pelham as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Birmingham vs Pelham?
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