Cortland vs Syracuse: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Cortland, NY and Syracuse, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cortland, NY | Syracuse, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,175▲ | $104,676 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.83▲ | $50.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,723▲ | $53,540 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,066▲ | $65,553 |
| 75th Percentile | $183,264▲ | $165,192 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $220,779▲ | $216,379 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Cortland, NY offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Syracuse.
The salary gap between Cortland and Syracuse is $38,499 (36.78%). Cortland's median is +6.72% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cortland spans $127,056,Syracuse spans $162,839. Syracuse 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, Cortland ($123,533 effective) pays 12.99% more than Syracuse ($109,331 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cortland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,175/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($220,779)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,533)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Syracuse if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Cortland grew -14.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -0.7% growth in Syracuse over the same period.
Cortland, NY
$162,213 (2024) → $138,735 (2025)
Syracuse, NY
$102,140 (2019) → $101,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cortland, NY
Syracuse, NY
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