Actuary Pay

Phoenix vs Prescott: Actuary Salary (2026)

Compare actuary salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Prescott, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Phoenix, AZ
$143,004
$68.75/hr
Prescott, AZ
$127,502
$61.30/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhoenix, AZPrescott, AZ
Median Salary$143,004$127,502
Hourly Rate$68.75$61.30
Entry Level (P10)$92,003$83,523
25th Percentile$120,393$99,715
75th Percentile$176,451$163,202
Top Earner (P90)$208,598$197,627
Total Employed1709
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Phoenix ($143,004) and Prescott ($127,502) actuary salaries.PhoenixPrescottMedian Salary$143,004$127,502Entry Level (P10)$92,003$83,523Top Earner (P90)$208,598$197,627US Median $134,160

Verdict

Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Prescott.

The salary gap between Phoenix and Prescott is $15,502 (12.16%). Phoenix's median is +6.59% compared to the US national median of $134,160.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $116,595,Prescott spans $114,104. Phoenix has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$92,003
P25$120,393
Median$143,004
P75$176,451
P90 (Top)$208,598
Prescott
P10 (Entry)$83,523
P25$99,715
Median$127,502
P75$163,202
P90 (Top)$197,627

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Phoenix ($138,414 effective) pays 6.93% more than Prescott ($129,444 effective).

Phoenix
Nominal: $143,004
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $138,414
Prescott
Nominal: $127,502
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $129,444

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Higher median salary ($143,004/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($208,598)
  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,414)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Prescott if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Phoenix grew 37.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Prescott over the same period.

Phoenix, AZ

+37.0%

$101,140 (2019) → $138,570 (2025)

Prescott, AZ

+13.0%

$109,292 (2024) → $123,548 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays actuarys more: Phoenix or Prescott?

Phoenix has a higher median actuary salary at $143,004/year, compared to Prescott at $127,502/year — a difference of $15,502 (12.16%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Prescott?

Phoenix actuarys earn $68.75/hr while Prescott hygienists earn $61.30/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Phoenix to Prescott as a actuary?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Phoenix and Prescott. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Phoenix = $138,414, Prescott = $129,444), job availability (170 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level actuarys earn in Phoenix vs Prescott?

Entry-level (10th percentile) actuarys earn $92,003 in Phoenix and $83,523 in Prescott. The Phoenix area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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