Actuary · Salary Comparison · 2026
Actuary Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Actuarys in Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$107,000 vs $123,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$103,883 vs $99,194
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$93,588 vs $91,655
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $107,000 | $123,000▲ | -$16,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,390 | $94,710▲ | -$12,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,960 | $157,440▲ | -$20,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $171,200 | $196,800▲ | -$25,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $103,883▲ | $99,194 | +$4,689 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $96,396 | $113,652▲ | -$17,256 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $93,588▲ | $91,655 | +$1,933 |
| Total Employment | 20,000 | 30,400 | -10,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $16,000 more (median: $107,000 vs $123,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($103,883 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.