Birmingham vs Decatur: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Birmingham, AL and Decatur, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Decatur, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,091▲ | $118,143 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.90▲ | $56.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,520▲ | $69,249 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,274 | $86,361▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,480▲ | $151,223 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,670 | $183,122▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Decatur.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Decatur is $18,948 (16.04%). Birmingham's median is +2.18% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $95,150,Decatur spans $113,873. Decatur 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, Birmingham ($149,591 effective) pays 11.30% more than Decatur ($134,406 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,091/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,591)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($183,122)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Birmingham grew 25.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.4% growth in Decatur over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$106,180 (2019) → $132,840 (2025)
Decatur, AL
$95,107 (2024) → $114,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Decatur, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Birmingham or Decatur?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Decatur?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Decatur as a actuary?
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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