Jackson vs Jersey City: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Jackson, NJ and Jersey City, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, NJ | Jersey City, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $153,601 | $169,486▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $73.85 | $81.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,088 | $98,302▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $120,006 | $122,030▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $196,609 | $216,943▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $238,081 | $262,704▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 42▲ |
Verdict
Jersey City, NJ offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.
The salary gap between Jackson and Jersey City is $15,885 (10.34%). Jersey City's median is +26.33% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $148,993,Jersey City spans $164,402. Jersey City 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, Jersey City ($147,123 effective) pays 10.34% more than Jackson ($133,334 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Jersey City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($169,486/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($262,704)
- ✓Larger job market (42 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,123)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Jackson grew -8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.2% growth in Jersey City over the same period.
Jackson, NJ
$162,577 (2024) → $148,838 (2025)
Jersey City, NJ
$171,383 (2024) → $164,231 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, NJ
Jersey City, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Jackson or Jersey City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Jersey City?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Jersey City as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Jackson vs Jersey City?
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