Actuary · Salary Comparison · 2026
Actuary Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Actuarys in Phoenix, AZ and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$107,000 vs $150,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$103,883 vs $92,593
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$93,588 vs $85,556
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $107,000 | $150,000▲ | -$43,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,390 | $115,500▲ | -$33,110 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,960 | $192,000▲ | -$55,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $171,200 | $240,000▲ | -$68,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $103,883▲ | $92,593 | +$11,290 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $96,396 | $138,600▲ | -$42,204 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $93,588▲ | $85,556 | +$8,032 |
| Total Employment | 20,000 | 46,400 | -26,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $43,000 more (median: $107,000 vs $150,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($103,883 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.