Asheville vs Raleigh: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Asheville, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Asheville, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,493 | $146,730▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.89 | $70.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,502▲ | $74,737 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,293▲ | $86,750 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,792 | $168,195▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $189,864 | $200,033▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Asheville.
The salary gap between Asheville and Raleigh is $24,237 (19.79%). 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 Asheville spans $113,362,Raleigh spans $125,296. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($149,485 effective) pays 14.23% more than Asheville ($130,869 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Asheville if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
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
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Asheville grew 4.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 44.3% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Asheville, NC
$114,130 (2024) → $118,695 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$98,550 (2019) → $142,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Asheville, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Asheville or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Asheville and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Asheville to Raleigh as a actuary?
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Related Comparisons
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