Apex vs Charlotte: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Apex, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apex, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,421 | $132,849▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.77 | $63.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,234▲ | $75,212 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,982 | $102,416▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $161,819 | $164,429▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $195,953 | $219,455▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 280▲ |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Apex.
The salary gap between Apex and Charlotte is $6,428 (5.08%). Charlotte's median is -0.98% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apex spans $120,719,Charlotte spans $144,243. Charlotte 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, Charlotte ($136,468 effective) pays 1.04% more than Apex ($135,065 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apex if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,849/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,455)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,468)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Apex grew 4.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -12.9% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Apex, NC
$117,790 (2024) → $122,501 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$147,800 (2019) → $128,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Apex or Charlotte?
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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