Lancaster vs Pittsburgh: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Lancaster, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lancaster, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,508▲ | $121,363 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.30▲ | $58.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,699▲ | $75,584 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,039▲ | $91,611 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,210▲ | $150,579 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $197,637▲ | $185,677 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Lancaster, PA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Lancaster and Pittsburgh is $6,145 (5.06%). Lancaster's median is -4.96% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lancaster spans $117,938,Pittsburgh spans $110,093. Lancaster 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, Lancaster ($130,912 effective) pays 2.12% more than Pittsburgh ($128,194 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,508/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($197,637)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,912)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Lancaster grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.2% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Lancaster, PA
$121,653 (2024) → $123,554 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$115,050 (2019) → $117,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lancaster, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Lancaster or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lancaster and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from Lancaster to Pittsburgh as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Lancaster vs Pittsburgh?
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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