Actuary Pay

Binghamton vs Buffalo: Actuary Salary (2026)

Compare actuary salaries between Binghamton, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Binghamton, NY
$153,837
$73.96/hr
Buffalo, NY
$113,716
$54.68/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBinghamton, NYBuffalo, NY
Median Salary$153,837$113,716
Hourly Rate$73.96$54.68
Entry Level (P10)$94,502$77,895
25th Percentile$121,630$82,034
75th Percentile$196,525$141,033
Top Earner (P90)$238,448$169,991
Total Employed1390
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Binghamton ($153,837) and Buffalo ($113,716) actuary salaries.BinghamtonBuffaloMedian Salary$153,837$113,716Entry Level (P10)$94,502$77,895Top Earner (P90)$238,448$169,991US Median $134,160

Verdict

Binghamton, NY offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.

The salary gap between Binghamton and Buffalo is $40,121 (35.28%). Binghamton's median is +14.67% compared to the US national median of $134,160.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Binghamton spans $143,946,Buffalo spans $92,096. Binghamton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Binghamton
P10 (Entry)$94,502
P25$121,630
Median$153,837
P75$196,525
P90 (Top)$238,448
Buffalo
P10 (Entry)$77,895
P25$82,034
Median$113,716
P75$141,033
P90 (Top)$169,991

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Binghamton ($132,733 effective) pays 11.87% more than Buffalo ($118,647 effective).

Binghamton
Nominal: $153,837
CoL Index: 115.9
Adjusted: $132,733
Buffalo
Nominal: $113,716
CoL Index: 95.844
Adjusted: $118,647

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Binghamton if…

  • Higher median salary ($153,837/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($238,448)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,733)
  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Choose Buffalo if…

  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Binghamton grew -14.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -0.0% growth in Buffalo over the same period.

Binghamton, NY

+-14.5%

$174,294 (2024) → $149,067 (2025)

Buffalo, NY

+-0.0%

$110,220 (2019) → $110,190 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays actuarys more: Binghamton or Buffalo?

Binghamton has a higher median actuary salary at $153,837/year, compared to Buffalo at $113,716/year — a difference of $40,121 (35.28%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Binghamton and Buffalo?

Binghamton actuarys earn $73.96/hr while Buffalo hygienists earn $54.68/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Binghamton to Buffalo as a actuary?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Binghamton and Buffalo. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Binghamton = $132,733, Buffalo = $118,647), job availability (13 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level actuarys earn in Binghamton vs Buffalo?

Entry-level (10th percentile) actuarys earn $94,502 in Binghamton and $77,895 in Buffalo. The Binghamton area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Patel, ASA, MAAAData verified by Aisha Khan, FSA, CERA

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