Actuary Pay

Chandler vs Phoenix: Actuary Salary (2026)

Compare actuary salaries between Chandler, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chandler, AZ
$144,005
$69.24/hr
Phoenix, AZ
$143,004
$68.75/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChandler, AZPhoenix, AZ
Median Salary$144,005$143,004
Hourly Rate$69.24$68.75
Entry Level (P10)$83,523$92,003
25th Percentile$103,684$120,393
75th Percentile$184,327$176,451
Top Earner (P90)$223,208$208,598
Total Employed49170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chandler ($144,005) and Phoenix ($143,004) actuary salaries.ChandlerPhoenixMedian Salary$144,005$143,004Entry Level (P10)$83,523$92,003Top Earner (P90)$223,208$208,598US Median $134,160

Verdict

Chandler, AZ offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Phoenix.

The salary gap between Chandler and Phoenix is $1,001 (0.70%). Chandler's median is +7.34% compared to the US national median of $134,160.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chandler spans $139,685,Phoenix spans $116,595. Chandler has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Chandler
P10 (Entry)$83,523
P25$103,684
Median$144,005
P75$184,327
P90 (Top)$223,208
Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$92,003
P25$120,393
Median$143,004
P75$176,451
P90 (Top)$208,598

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chandler ($146,198 effective) pays 5.62% more than Phoenix ($138,414 effective).

Chandler
Nominal: $144,005
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $146,198
Phoenix
Nominal: $143,004
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $138,414

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chandler if…

  • Higher median salary ($144,005/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($223,208)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,198)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Chandler grew 18.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.0% growth in Phoenix over the same period.

Chandler, AZ

+18.8%

$117,490 (2024) → $139,540 (2025)

Phoenix, AZ

+37.0%

$101,140 (2019) → $138,570 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays actuarys more: Chandler or Phoenix?

Chandler has a higher median actuary salary at $144,005/year, compared to Phoenix at $143,004/year — a difference of $1,001 (0.70%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chandler and Phoenix?

Chandler actuarys earn $69.24/hr while Phoenix hygienists earn $68.75/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chandler to Phoenix as a actuary?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chandler and Phoenix. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chandler = $146,198, Phoenix = $138,414), job availability (49 vs 170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level actuarys earn in Chandler vs Phoenix?

Entry-level (10th percentile) actuarys earn $83,523 in Chandler and $92,003 in Phoenix. The Phoenix 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