Actuary · Salary Comparison · 2026
Actuary Salary: Detroit, MI vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Actuarys in Detroit, MI and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$95,000 vs $123,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Detroit, MI
$106,742 vs $99,194
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Detroit, MI
$94,437 vs $91,655
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $95,000 | $123,000▲ | -$28,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,150 | $94,710▲ | -$21,560 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,600 | $157,440▲ | -$35,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $152,000 | $196,800▲ | -$44,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 124 | -35 |
| State Income Tax | 4.25% | 0%▲ | +4.25% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $106,742▲ | $99,194 | +$7,548 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $84,049 | $113,652▲ | -$29,603 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $94,437▲ | $91,655 | +$2,782 |
| Total Employment | 12,000 | 30,400 | -18,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Detroit, MI minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $28,000 more (median: $95,000 vs $123,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 89 vs 124), Detroit, MI provides better purchasing power ($106,742 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.