Philadelphia vs Lancaster: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Lancaster, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Lancaster, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,859▲ | $127,508 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.40▲ | $61.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,398▲ | $79,699 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,510▲ | $94,039 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,912▲ | $163,210 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $225,348▲ | $197,637 |
| Total Employed | 780▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lancaster.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Lancaster is $4,351 (3.41%). Philadelphia's median is -1.72% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $139,950,Lancaster spans $117,938. Philadelphia 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 1.82% more than Philadelphia ($128,575 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,859/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($225,348)
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,912)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Philadelphia grew 18.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in Lancaster over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$108,290 (2019) → $127,770 (2025)
Lancaster, PA
$121,653 (2024) → $123,554 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Lancaster, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Philadelphia or Lancaster?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Lancaster?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Lancaster as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Philadelphia vs Lancaster?
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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