Jacksonville vs Key West: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Jacksonville, FL and Key West, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, FL | Key West, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,081▲ | $127,788 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.90▲ | $61.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,933▲ | $77,624 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,750▲ | $95,442 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,153▲ | $163,569 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $210,260▲ | $198,072 |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Jacksonville, FL offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Key West.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Key West is $9,293 (7.27%). Jacksonville's median is +2.18% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $126,327,Key West spans $120,448. Jacksonville 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, Jacksonville ($137,792 effective) pays 8.69% more than Key West ($126,774 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,081/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($210,260)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,792)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Key West if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Jacksonville grew 13.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.7% growth in Key West over the same period.
Jacksonville, FL
$117,220 (2019) → $132,830 (2025)
Key West, FL
$117,199 (2024) → $123,826 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, FL
Key West, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Jacksonville or Key West?
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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