Buckeye vs Phoenix: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Buckeye, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buckeye, AZ | Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,879 | $143,004▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.45 | $68.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,661 | $92,003▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,740 | $120,393▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,246 | $176,451▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,313 | $208,598▲ |
| Total Employed | 19 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Buckeye.
The salary gap between Buckeye and Phoenix is $13,125 (10.11%). Phoenix's median is +6.59% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buckeye spans $118,652,Phoenix spans $116,595. Buckeye 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, Phoenix ($138,414 effective) pays 4.97% more than Buckeye ($131,857 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buckeye if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,004/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($208,598)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,414)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Buckeye grew 13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.0% growth in Phoenix over the same period.
Buckeye, AZ
$111,330 (2024) → $125,852 (2025)
Phoenix, AZ
$101,140 (2019) → $138,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buckeye, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Buckeye or Phoenix?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buckeye and Phoenix?
Should I relocate from Buckeye to Phoenix as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Buckeye vs Phoenix?
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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