Actuary · Salary Comparison · 2026
Actuary Salary: Charlotte, NC vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Actuarys in Charlotte, NC and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$101,000 vs $123,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$99,020 vs $99,194
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$87,376 vs $91,655
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $101,000 | $123,000▲ | -$22,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,770 | $94,710▲ | -$16,940 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,280 | $157,440▲ | -$28,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $161,600 | $196,800▲ | -$35,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 124 | -22 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $99,020 | $99,194▲ | -$174 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $89,124 | $113,652▲ | -$24,528 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $87,376 | $91,655▲ | -$4,279 |
| Total Employment | 16,000 | 30,400 | -14,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Charlotte, NC minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $22,000 more (median: $101,000 vs $123,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 102 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($99,020 vs $99,194 equivalent). Austin, TX 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.