Elmira vs Rochester: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Elmira, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elmira, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $147,177▲ | $134,387 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.75▲ | $64.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,450▲ | $81,249 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,717▲ | $104,779 |
| 75th Percentile | $188,386▲ | $168,412 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $228,124▲ | $219,125 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Elmira, NY offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Elmira and Rochester is $12,790 (9.52%). Elmira's median is +9.70% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elmira spans $135,674,Rochester spans $137,876. Rochester 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, Rochester ($138,493 effective) pays 9.06% more than Elmira ($126,986 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elmira if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($147,177/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($228,124)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,493)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Elmira grew -14.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Elmira, NY
$166,748 (2024) → $142,613 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$106,830 (2021) → $130,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elmira, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Elmira or Rochester?
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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