Actuary · Salary Comparison · 2026
Actuary Salary: Detroit, MI vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Actuarys in Detroit, MI and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$95,000 vs $150,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Detroit, MI
$106,742 vs $92,593
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Detroit, MI
$94,437 vs $85,556
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $95,000 | $150,000▲ | -$55,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,150 | $115,500▲ | -$42,350 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,600 | $192,000▲ | -$70,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $152,000 | $240,000▲ | -$88,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 162 | -73 |
| State Income Tax | 4.25% | 0%▲ | +4.25% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $106,742▲ | $92,593 | +$14,149 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $84,049 | $138,600▲ | -$54,551 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $94,437▲ | $85,556 | +$8,881 |
| Total Employment | 12,000 | 46,400 | -34,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Detroit, MI minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $55,000 more (median: $95,000 vs $150,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 89 vs 162), Detroit, MI provides better purchasing power ($106,742 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.