Gainesville vs Jacksonville: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Gainesville, FL and Jacksonville, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gainesville, FL | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,629 | $137,081▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.77 | $65.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,924 | $83,933▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $96,082 | $106,750▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $169,764▲ | $167,153 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $205,574 | $210,260▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Jacksonville, FL offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gainesville.
The salary gap between Gainesville and Jacksonville is $4,452 (3.36%). Jacksonville's median is +2.18% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gainesville spans $128,650,Jacksonville spans $126,327. Gainesville 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, Jacksonville ($137,792 effective) pays 4.72% more than Gainesville ($131,576 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gainesville if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,081/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($210,260)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,792)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Gainesville grew 5.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.3% growth in Jacksonville over the same period.
Gainesville, FL
$121,638 (2024) → $128,516 (2025)
Jacksonville, FL
$117,220 (2019) → $132,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gainesville, FL
Jacksonville, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Gainesville or Jacksonville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gainesville and Jacksonville?
Should I relocate from Gainesville to Jacksonville as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Gainesville vs Jacksonville?
Related Comparisons
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