Bristol vs Hartford: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Bristol, CT and Hartford, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, CT | Hartford, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,604 | $172,138▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $69.04 | $82.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,291 | $104,418▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $111,879 | $133,345▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $183,813 | $211,591▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $222,586 | $236,132▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 960▲ |
Verdict
Hartford, CT offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and Hartford is $28,534 (19.87%). Hartford's median is +28.31% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $139,295,Hartford spans $131,714. Bristol 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, Hartford ($167,537 effective) pays 25.88% more than Bristol ($133,090 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Hartford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($172,138/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($236,132)
- ✓Larger job market (960 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $167,537)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Bristol grew -10.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.7% growth in Hartford over the same period.
Bristol, CT
$155,206 (2024) → $139,151 (2025)
Hartford, CT
$131,690 (2021) → $166,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, CT
Hartford, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Bristol or Hartford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Hartford?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Hartford as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Bristol vs Hartford?
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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