Buffalo vs Ithaca: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Buffalo, NY and Ithaca, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Ithaca, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,716 | $153,210▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.68 | $73.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,895 | $93,713▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,034 | $114,429▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $141,033 | $194,971▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,991 | $237,475▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Ithaca, NY offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Ithaca is $39,494 (34.73%). Ithaca's median is +14.20% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $92,096,Ithaca spans $143,762. Ithaca 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, Ithaca ($132,192 effective) pays 11.42% 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 Buffalo if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Ithaca if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($153,210/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($237,475)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,192)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Buffalo grew -0.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -14.5% growth in Ithaca over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$110,220 (2019) → $110,190 (2025)
Ithaca, NY
$173,583 (2024) → $148,459 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Ithaca, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Buffalo or Ithaca?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Ithaca?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Ithaca as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Buffalo vs Ithaca?
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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