Hackensack vs Trenton: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Hackensack, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hackensack, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $148,303▲ | $133,685 |
| Hourly Rate | $71.30▲ | $64.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,446▲ | $64,005 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,000▲ | $105,378 |
| 75th Percentile | $187,492▲ | $178,216 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $229,869▲ | $178,670 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Hackensack, NJ offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Hackensack and Trenton is $14,618 (10.93%). Hackensack's median is +10.54% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hackensack spans $133,423,Trenton spans $114,665. Hackensack 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, Trenton ($129,565 effective) pays 0.64% more than Hackensack ($128,735 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hackensack if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($148,303/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($229,869)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,565)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Hackensack grew -8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.8% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Hackensack, NJ
$156,969 (2024) → $143,704 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$98,310 (2019) → $129,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hackensack, NJ
Trenton, NJ
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