Chattanooga vs Smyrna: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Smyrna, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Smyrna, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,963▲ | $124,488 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.08▲ | $59.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,478 | $74,896▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,973 | $92,350▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $159,953▲ | $159,345 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $193,692▲ | $192,956 |
| Total Employed | 36▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Chattanooga, TN offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Smyrna is $475 (0.38%). 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,Smyrna spans $118,060. 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 0.38% more than Smyrna ($135,608 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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$84,900 (2019) → $121,088 (2025)
Smyrna, TN
$106,709 (2024) → $120,628 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Smyrna, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Chattanooga or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Smyrna as a actuary?
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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