Buffalo vs Troy: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Buffalo, NY and Troy, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Troy, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,716 | $156,985▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.68 | $75.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,895 | $94,145▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,034 | $116,230▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $141,033 | $200,941▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,991 | $243,326▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Troy, NY offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Troy is $43,269 (38.05%). Troy's median is +17.01% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $92,096,Troy spans $149,181. Troy 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, Troy ($135,449 effective) pays 14.16% more than Buffalo ($118,647 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Troy if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($156,985/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($243,326)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,449)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Buffalo grew -0.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -14.5% growth in Troy over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$110,220 (2019) → $110,190 (2025)
Troy, NY
$177,860 (2024) → $152,117 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Buffalo or Troy?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Troy?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Troy as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Buffalo vs Troy?
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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