Columbia vs Laurel: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Columbia, MD and Laurel, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MD | Laurel, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,376 | $139,296▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.12 | $66.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,050 | $88,308▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,498 | $106,332▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $170,721 | $178,300▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $206,732 | $215,909▲ |
| Total Employed | 24▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Laurel, MD offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Laurel is $5,920 (4.44%). Laurel's median is +3.83% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $128,682,Laurel spans $127,601. Columbia 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, Laurel ($127,444 effective) pays 4.44% more than Columbia ($122,027 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (24 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,296/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($215,909)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,444)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Columbia grew -11.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.0% growth in Laurel over the same period.
Columbia, MD
$146,100 (2024) → $129,240 (2025)
Laurel, MD
$134,977 (2024) → $134,977 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MD
Laurel, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
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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