Ithaca vs Rochester: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Ithaca, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ithaca, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $153,210▲ | $134,387 |
| Hourly Rate | $73.65▲ | $64.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,713▲ | $81,249 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,429▲ | $104,779 |
| 75th Percentile | $194,971▲ | $168,412 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $237,475▲ | $219,125 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Ithaca, NY offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Ithaca and Rochester is $18,823 (14.01%). Ithaca's median is +14.20% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ithaca spans $143,762,Rochester spans $137,876. Ithaca 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, Rochester ($138,493 effective) pays 4.77% more than Ithaca ($132,192 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ithaca if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($153,210/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($237,475)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,493)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Ithaca grew -14.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Ithaca, NY
$173,583 (2024) → $148,459 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$106,830 (2021) → $130,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ithaca, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Ithaca or Rochester?
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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