New Haven vs Waterbury: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between New Haven, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Haven, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $145,533 | $148,020▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $69.97 | $71.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,016▲ | $93,396 |
| 25th Percentile | $119,206▲ | $101,559 |
| 75th Percentile | $192,489▲ | $187,236 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $239,888▲ | $194,811 |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 30 |
Verdict
New Haven and Waterbury are closely matched on overall actuary compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between New Haven and Waterbury is $2,487 (1.71%). Waterbury's median is +10.33% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Haven spans $134,872,Waterbury spans $101,415. New Haven 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, Waterbury ($148,349 effective) pays 6.58% more than New Haven ($139,187 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($239,888)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($148,020/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,349)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in New Haven grew 18.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
New Haven, CT
$119,220 (2021) → $141,020 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$132,420 (2024) → $143,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Haven, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
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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