Reno vs Sparks: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Reno, NV and Sparks, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Reno, NV | Sparks, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,667▲ | $133,055 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.22▲ | $63.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,687▲ | $77,172 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,729 | $102,145▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $173,654▲ | $170,310 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $210,283▲ | $206,235 |
| Total Employed | 45▲ | 28 |
Verdict
Reno, NV offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sparks.
The salary gap between Reno and Sparks is $2,612 (1.96%). Reno's median is +1.12% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Reno spans $131,596,Sparks spans $129,063. Reno 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, Reno ($138,013 effective) pays 1.96% more than Sparks ($135,356 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Reno if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,667/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($210,283)
- ✓Larger job market (45 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,013)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Sparks if…
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Reno grew 13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Sparks over the same period.
Reno, NV
$116,292 (2024) → $131,460 (2025)
Sparks, NV
$114,052 (2024) → $128,929 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
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