Actuary Pay

Lincoln vs Scottsbluff: Actuary Salary (2026)

Compare actuary salaries between Lincoln, NE and Scottsbluff, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lincoln, NE
$127,739
$61.41/hr
Scottsbluff, NE
$117,805
$56.64/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLincoln, NEScottsbluff, NE
Median Salary$127,739$117,805
Hourly Rate$61.41$56.64
Entry Level (P10)$74,088$71,726
25th Percentile$91,972$94,756
75th Percentile$163,506$148,281
Top Earner (P90)$197,995$179,744
Total Employed584
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lincoln ($127,739) and Scottsbluff ($117,805) actuary salaries.LincolnScottsbluffMedian Salary$127,739$117,805Entry Level (P10)$74,088$71,726Top Earner (P90)$197,995$179,744US Median $134,160

Verdict

Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Scottsbluff.

The salary gap between Lincoln and Scottsbluff is $9,934 (8.43%). Lincoln's median is -4.79% compared to the US national median of $134,160.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $123,907,Scottsbluff spans $108,018. Lincoln has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lincoln
P10 (Entry)$74,088
P25$91,972
Median$127,739
P75$163,506
P90 (Top)$197,995
Scottsbluff
P10 (Entry)$71,726
P25$94,756
Median$117,805
P75$148,281
P90 (Top)$179,744

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lincoln ($139,605 effective) pays 8.43% more than Scottsbluff ($128,749 effective).

Lincoln
Nominal: $127,739
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $139,605
Scottsbluff
Nominal: $117,805
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $128,749

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lincoln if…

  • Higher median salary ($127,739/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($197,995)
  • Larger job market (58 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,605)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose Scottsbluff if…

  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Lincoln grew 31.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.2% growth in Scottsbluff over the same period.

Lincoln, NE

+31.5%

$94,120 (2019) → $123,778 (2025)

Scottsbluff, NE

+10.2%

$103,615 (2024) → $114,152 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays actuarys more: Lincoln or Scottsbluff?

Lincoln has a higher median actuary salary at $127,739/year, compared to Scottsbluff at $117,805/year — a difference of $9,934 (8.43%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and Scottsbluff?

Lincoln actuarys earn $61.41/hr while Scottsbluff hygienists earn $56.64/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lincoln to Scottsbluff as a actuary?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lincoln and Scottsbluff. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lincoln = $139,605, Scottsbluff = $128,749), job availability (58 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level actuarys earn in Lincoln vs Scottsbluff?

Entry-level (10th percentile) actuarys earn $74,088 in Lincoln and $71,726 in Scottsbluff. The Lincoln 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