Actuary Pay

Montgomery vs Pelham: Actuary Salary (2026)

Compare actuary salaries between Montgomery, AL and Pelham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Montgomery, AL
$121,508
$58.42/hr
Pelham, AL
$109,056
$52.43/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMontgomery, ALPelham, AL
Median Salary$121,508$109,056
Hourly Rate$58.42$52.43
Entry Level (P10)$70,474$72,175
25th Percentile$92,144$85,171
75th Percentile$155,530$139,064
Top Earner (P90)$188,337$168,773
Total Employed324
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Montgomery ($121,508) and Pelham ($109,056) actuary salaries.MontgomeryPelhamMedian Salary$121,508$109,056Entry Level (P10)$70,474$72,175Top Earner (P90)$188,337$168,773US Median $134,160

Verdict

Montgomery, AL offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pelham.

The salary gap between Montgomery and Pelham is $12,452 (11.42%). Montgomery's median is -9.43% compared to the US national median of $134,160.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Montgomery spans $117,863,Pelham spans $96,598. Montgomery has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Montgomery
P10 (Entry)$70,474
P25$92,144
Median$121,508
P75$155,530
P90 (Top)$188,337
Pelham
P10 (Entry)$72,175
P25$85,171
Median$109,056
P75$139,064
P90 (Top)$168,773

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Montgomery ($138,234 effective) pays 11.42% more than Pelham ($124,068 effective).

Montgomery
Nominal: $121,508
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $138,234
Pelham
Nominal: $109,056
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $124,068

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Montgomery if…

  • Higher median salary ($121,508/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($188,337)
  • Larger job market (32 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,234)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Pelham if…

  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Montgomery grew 20.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.4% growth in Pelham over the same period.

Montgomery, AL

+20.4%

$97,815 (2024) → $117,740 (2025)

Pelham, AL

+20.4%

$87,790 (2024) → $105,674 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays actuarys more: Montgomery or Pelham?

Montgomery has a higher median actuary salary at $121,508/year, compared to Pelham at $109,056/year — a difference of $12,452 (11.42%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Montgomery and Pelham?

Montgomery actuarys earn $58.42/hr while Pelham hygienists earn $52.43/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Montgomery to Pelham as a actuary?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Montgomery and Pelham. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Montgomery = $138,234, Pelham = $124,068), job availability (32 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level actuarys earn in Montgomery vs Pelham?

Entry-level (10th percentile) actuarys earn $70,474 in Montgomery and $72,175 in Pelham. The Pelham 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