Actuary · Salary Comparison · 2026
Actuary Salary: Atlanta, GA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Actuarys in Atlanta, GA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$110,000 vs $150,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Atlanta, GA
$101,852 vs $92,593
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Atlanta, GA
$88,944 vs $85,556
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $110,000 | $150,000▲ | -$40,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,700 | $115,500▲ | -$30,800 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,800 | $192,000▲ | -$51,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $176,000 | $240,000▲ | -$64,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 162 | -54 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49% | 0%▲ | +5.49% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $101,852▲ | $92,593 | +$9,259 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $96,060 | $138,600▲ | -$42,540 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $88,944▲ | $85,556 | +$3,388 |
| Total Employment | 24,000 | 46,400 | -22,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Atlanta, GA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $40,000 more (median: $110,000 vs $150,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 108 vs 162), Atlanta, GA provides better purchasing power ($101,852 vs $92,593 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.