Actuary Pay

Lexington vs Murray: Actuary Salary (2026)

Compare actuary salaries between Lexington, KY and Murray, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lexington, KY
$112,898
$54.27/hr
Murray, KY
$100,577
$48.35/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLexington, KYMurray, KY
Median Salary$112,898$100,577
Hourly Rate$54.27$48.35
Entry Level (P10)$69,216$68,481
25th Percentile$85,551$79,943
75th Percentile$144,509$128,738
Top Earner (P90)$174,991$155,894
Total Employed824
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lexington ($112,898) and Murray ($100,577) actuary salaries.LexingtonMurrayMedian Salary$112,898$100,577Entry Level (P10)$69,216$68,481Top Earner (P90)$174,991$155,894US Median $134,160

Verdict

Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Murray.

The salary gap between Lexington and Murray is $12,321 (12.25%). Lexington's median is -15.85% compared to the US national median of $134,160.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $105,775,Murray spans $87,413. Lexington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lexington
P10 (Entry)$69,216
P25$85,551
Median$112,898
P75$144,509
P90 (Top)$174,991
Murray
P10 (Entry)$68,481
P25$79,943
Median$100,577
P75$128,738
P90 (Top)$155,894

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lexington ($126,426 effective) pays 12.25% more than Murray ($112,628 effective).

Lexington
Nominal: $112,898
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $126,426
Murray
Nominal: $100,577
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $112,628

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lexington if…

  • Higher median salary ($112,898/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($174,991)
  • Larger job market (82 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,426)
  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Choose Murray if…

  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Lexington grew 8.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.0% growth in Murray over the same period.

Lexington, KY

+8.0%

$101,254 (2024) → $109,397 (2025)

Murray, KY

+8.0%

$90,204 (2024) → $97,458 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays actuarys more: Lexington or Murray?

Lexington has a higher median actuary salary at $112,898/year, compared to Murray at $100,577/year — a difference of $12,321 (12.25%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Murray?

Lexington actuarys earn $54.27/hr while Murray hygienists earn $48.35/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lexington to Murray as a actuary?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lexington and Murray. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lexington = $126,426, Murray = $112,628), job availability (82 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level actuarys earn in Lexington vs Murray?

Entry-level (10th percentile) actuarys earn $69,216 in Lexington and $68,481 in Murray. The Lexington area offers higher starting salaries.
MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Patel, ASA, MAAAData verified by Aisha Khan, FSA, CERA

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