Hartford vs Shelton: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Hartford, CT and Shelton, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hartford, CT | Shelton, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $172,138▲ | $151,081 |
| Hourly Rate | $82.76▲ | $72.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,418▲ | $93,626 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,345▲ | $113,738 |
| 75th Percentile | $211,591▲ | $193,383 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $236,132▲ | $234,175 |
| Total Employed | 960▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Hartford, CT offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shelton.
The salary gap between Hartford and Shelton is $21,057 (13.94%). Hartford's median is +28.31% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $131,714,Shelton spans $140,549. Shelton 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, Hartford ($167,537 effective) pays 19.65% more than Shelton ($140,019 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hartford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($172,138/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($236,132)
- ✓Larger job market (960 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $167,537)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Shelton if…
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Hartford grew 26.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -5.5% growth in Shelton over the same period.
Hartford, CT
$131,690 (2021) → $166,800 (2025)
Shelton, CT
$154,900 (2024) → $146,396 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hartford, CT
Shelton, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Hartford or Shelton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and Shelton?
Should I relocate from Hartford to Shelton as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Hartford vs Shelton?
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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