Raleigh vs Wake Forest: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wake Forest, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wake Forest, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $146,730▲ | $123,806 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.55▲ | $59.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,737 | $79,414▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,750 | $92,829▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $168,195▲ | $158,472 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $200,033▲ | $191,899 |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wake Forest.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wake Forest is $22,924 (18.52%). Raleigh's median is +9.37% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $125,296,Wake Forest spans $112,485. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($149,485 effective) pays 13.01% more than Wake Forest ($132,271 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($146,730/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($200,033)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,485)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wake Forest if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Raleigh grew 44.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.0% growth in Wake Forest over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$98,550 (2019) → $142,180 (2025)
Wake Forest, NC
$115,353 (2024) → $119,967 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wake Forest, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Raleigh or Wake Forest?
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Should I relocate from Raleigh to Wake Forest as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Raleigh vs Wake Forest?
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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