Phoenix vs Surprise: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Surprise, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Surprise, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,004▲ | $131,862 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.75▲ | $63.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,003▲ | $81,284 |
| 25th Percentile | $120,393▲ | $99,513 |
| 75th Percentile | $176,451▲ | $168,783 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $208,598▲ | $204,386 |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Surprise.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Surprise is $11,142 (8.45%). 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,Surprise spans $123,102. Surprise has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Phoenix ($138,414 effective) pays 3.39% more than Surprise ($133,870 effective).
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 Surprise 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 Surprise over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$101,140 (2019) → $138,570 (2025)
Surprise, AZ
$113,030 (2024) → $127,773 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Surprise, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Phoenix or Surprise?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Surprise?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to Surprise as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Phoenix vs Surprise?
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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