Actuary Pay

Hamilton vs Trenton: Actuary Salary (2026)

Compare actuary salaries between Hamilton, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hamilton, NJ
$150,222
$72.22/hr
Trenton, NJ
$133,685
$64.27/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHamilton, NJTrenton, NJ
Median Salary$150,222$133,685
Hourly Rate$72.22$64.27
Entry Level (P10)$92,820$64,005
25th Percentile$113,387$105,378
75th Percentile$192,284$178,216
Top Earner (P90)$232,844$178,670
Total Employed21110
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hamilton ($150,222) and Trenton ($133,685) actuary salaries.HamiltonTrentonMedian Salary$150,222$133,685Entry Level (P10)$92,820$64,005Top Earner (P90)$232,844$178,670US Median $134,160

Verdict

Hamilton, NJ offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.

The salary gap between Hamilton and Trenton is $16,537 (12.37%). Hamilton's median is +11.97% compared to the US national median of $134,160.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hamilton spans $140,024,Trenton spans $114,665. Hamilton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hamilton
P10 (Entry)$92,820
P25$113,387
Median$150,222
P75$192,284
P90 (Top)$232,844
Trenton
P10 (Entry)$64,005
P25$105,378
Median$133,685
P75$178,216
P90 (Top)$178,670

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hamilton ($130,401 effective) pays 0.65% more than Trenton ($129,565 effective).

Hamilton
Nominal: $150,222
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $130,401
Trenton
Nominal: $133,685
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $129,565

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hamilton if…

  • Higher median salary ($150,222/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($232,844)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,401)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Trenton if…

  • Larger job market (110 employed)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Hamilton grew -8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.8% growth in Trenton over the same period.

Hamilton, NJ

+-8.5%

$159,001 (2024) → $145,564 (2025)

Trenton, NJ

+31.8%

$98,310 (2019) → $129,540 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays actuarys more: Hamilton or Trenton?

Hamilton has a higher median actuary salary at $150,222/year, compared to Trenton at $133,685/year — a difference of $16,537 (12.37%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hamilton and Trenton?

Hamilton actuarys earn $72.22/hr while Trenton hygienists earn $64.27/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hamilton to Trenton as a actuary?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hamilton and Trenton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hamilton = $130,401, Trenton = $129,565), job availability (21 vs 110 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level actuarys earn in Hamilton vs Trenton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) actuarys earn $92,820 in Hamilton and $64,005 in Trenton. The Hamilton area offers higher starting salaries.
MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Patel, ASA, MAAAData verified by Aisha Khan, FSA, CERA

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