Cottonwood Heights vs Orem: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Cottonwood Heights, UT and Orem, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottonwood Heights, UT | Orem, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,414▲ | $128,925 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.22▲ | $61.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,576 | $81,377▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $96,329 | $98,499▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,649▲ | $165,024 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $200,592▲ | $199,833 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 24▲ |
Verdict
Cottonwood Heights, UT offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orem.
The salary gap between Cottonwood Heights and Orem is $489 (0.38%). Cottonwood Heights's median is -3.54% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottonwood Heights spans $122,016,Orem spans $118,456. Cottonwood Heights 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, Cottonwood Heights ($131,920 effective) pays 0.38% more than Orem ($131,422 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottonwood Heights if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,414/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($200,592)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,920)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Orem if…
- ✓Larger job market (24 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Cottonwood Heights grew 13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Orem over the same period.
Cottonwood Heights, UT
$110,932 (2024) → $125,401 (2025)
Orem, UT
$110,512 (2024) → $124,927 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottonwood Heights, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Cottonwood Heights or Orem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottonwood Heights and Orem?
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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