Charlotte vs Durham: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Charlotte, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,849▲ | $129,398 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.87▲ | $62.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,212▲ | $75,051 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,416▲ | $98,140 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,429 | $165,630▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,455▲ | $200,567 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 67 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Durham.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Durham is $3,451 (2.67%). Charlotte's median is -0.98% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $144,243,Durham spans $125,516. Charlotte 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, Durham ($138,246 effective) pays 1.30% more than Charlotte ($136,468 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,849/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,455)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,246)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Charlotte grew -12.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.9% growth in Durham over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$147,800 (2019) → $128,730 (2025)
Durham, NC
$95,820 (2021) → $125,386 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Charlotte or Durham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Durham?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Durham as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Charlotte vs Durham?
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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