Rochester vs Syracuse: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Rochester, NY and Syracuse, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Syracuse, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,387▲ | $104,676 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.61▲ | $50.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,249▲ | $53,540 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,779▲ | $65,553 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,412▲ | $165,192 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,125▲ | $216,379 |
| Total Employed | 70 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Syracuse.
The salary gap between Rochester and Syracuse is $29,711 (28.38%). Rochester's median is +0.17% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $137,876,Syracuse spans $162,839. Syracuse 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 26.67% more than Syracuse ($109,331 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,387/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,125)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,493)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Syracuse if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Rochester grew 21.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -0.7% growth in Syracuse over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$106,830 (2021) → $130,220 (2025)
Syracuse, NY
$102,140 (2019) → $101,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Syracuse, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Rochester or Syracuse?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Syracuse?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Syracuse as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Rochester vs Syracuse?
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