Charlotte vs Matthews: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Charlotte, NC and Matthews, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Matthews, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,849▲ | $124,131 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.87▲ | $59.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,212 | $76,074▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,416▲ | $93,207 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,429▲ | $158,447 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,455▲ | $192,403 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Matthews.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Matthews is $8,718 (7.02%). Charlotte's median is -0.98% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $144,243,Matthews spans $116,329. Charlotte 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, Charlotte ($136,468 effective) pays 2.90% more than Matthews ($132,619 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,849/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,455)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,468)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Matthews if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Charlotte grew -12.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.0% growth in Matthews over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$147,800 (2019) → $128,730 (2025)
Matthews, NC
$115,655 (2024) → $120,282 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Matthews, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Charlotte or Matthews?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Matthews?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Matthews as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Charlotte vs Matthews?
Related Comparisons
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