Harrisburg vs West Chester: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Harrisburg, PA and West Chester, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Harrisburg, PA | West Chester, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,011 | $122,335▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.89 | $58.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,273 | $83,363▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,055 | $97,384▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $143,995 | $156,589▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,287 | $189,620▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 6 |
Verdict
West Chester, PA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Harrisburg.
The salary gap between Harrisburg and West Chester is $12,324 (11.20%). West Chester's median is -8.81% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Harrisburg spans $93,014,West Chester spans $106,257. West Chester 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, West Chester ($125,601 effective) pays 12.63% more than Harrisburg ($111,516 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Harrisburg if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose West Chester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($122,335/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($189,620)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,601)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Harrisburg grew -5.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in West Chester over the same period.
Harrisburg, PA
$112,750 (2019) → $106,600 (2025)
West Chester, PA
$116,718 (2024) → $118,542 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Harrisburg, PA
West Chester, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Harrisburg or West Chester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Harrisburg and West Chester?
Should I relocate from Harrisburg to West Chester as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Harrisburg vs West Chester?
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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