Erie vs Philadelphia: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Erie, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Erie, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,181 | $131,859▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.62 | $63.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,661 | $85,398▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $95,335 | $103,510▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,071 | $172,912▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $198,680 | $225,348▲ |
| Total Employed | 24 | 780▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Erie.
The salary gap between Erie and Philadelphia is $3,678 (2.87%). Philadelphia's median is -1.72% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Erie spans $118,019,Philadelphia spans $139,950. Philadelphia 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, Erie ($131,603 effective) pays 2.35% more than Philadelphia ($128,575 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Erie if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,603)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,859/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($225,348)
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Erie grew 29.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.0% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Erie, PA
$95,620 (2019) → $124,206 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$108,290 (2019) → $127,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Erie or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Erie and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Erie to Philadelphia 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