Buffalo vs Valley Stream: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Buffalo, NY and Valley Stream, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Valley Stream, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,716 | $150,918▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.68 | $72.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,895 | $87,889▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,034 | $119,117▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $141,033 | $193,175▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,991 | $233,922▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Valley Stream, NY offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Valley Stream is $37,202 (32.71%). Valley Stream's median is +12.49% 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,Valley Stream spans $146,033. Valley Stream 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, Valley Stream ($130,214 effective) pays 9.75% 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 Valley Stream if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($150,918/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($233,922)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,214)
- ✓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 Valley Stream over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$110,220 (2019) → $110,190 (2025)
Valley Stream, NY
$170,985 (2024) → $146,238 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Valley Stream, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Buffalo or Valley Stream?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Valley Stream?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Valley Stream as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Buffalo vs Valley Stream?
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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