Chattanooga vs Johnson City: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Johnson City, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Johnson City, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,963▲ | $124,048 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.08▲ | $59.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,478 | $73,409▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,973 | $91,487▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $159,953▲ | $158,782 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $193,692▲ | $192,275 |
| Total Employed | 36▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Chattanooga, TN offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnson City.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Johnson City is $915 (0.74%). Chattanooga's median is -6.86% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chattanooga spans $121,214,Johnson City spans $118,866. Chattanooga 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, Chattanooga ($136,125 effective) pays 0.74% more than Johnson City ($135,129 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($124,963/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($193,692)
- ✓Larger job market (36 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,125)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Johnson City if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Chattanooga grew 42.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Johnson City over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$84,900 (2019) → $121,088 (2025)
Johnson City, TN
$106,333 (2024) → $120,202 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Johnson City, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Chattanooga or Johnson City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Johnson City?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Johnson City as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Chattanooga vs Johnson City?
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