Lackawanna vs Rochester: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Lackawanna, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lackawanna, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $145,524▲ | $134,387 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.96▲ | $64.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,244▲ | $81,249 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,785▲ | $104,779 |
| 75th Percentile | $186,271▲ | $168,412 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $225,563▲ | $219,125 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Lackawanna, NY offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Lackawanna and Rochester is $11,137 (8.29%). Lackawanna's median is +8.47% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lackawanna spans $126,319,Rochester spans $137,876. Rochester 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, Rochester ($138,493 effective) pays 10.30% more than Lackawanna ($125,560 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lackawanna if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($145,524/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($225,563)
- ✓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 Lackawanna grew -14.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Lackawanna, NY
$164,876 (2024) → $141,012 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$106,830 (2021) → $130,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lackawanna, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Lackawanna or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lackawanna and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Lackawanna to Rochester as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Lackawanna vs 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