Actuary · Salary Comparison · 2026
Actuary Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Actuarys in Pittsburgh, PA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$97,000 vs $123,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$107,778 vs $99,194
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$96,529 vs $91,655
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $97,000 | $123,000▲ | -$26,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,690 | $94,710▲ | -$20,020 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,160 | $157,440▲ | -$33,280 |
| 90th Percentile | $155,200 | $196,800▲ | -$41,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 124 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $107,778▲ | $99,194 | +$8,584 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $86,876 | $113,652▲ | -$26,776 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $96,529▲ | $91,655 | +$4,874 |
| Total Employment | 11,200 | 30,400 | -19,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $26,000 more (median: $97,000 vs $123,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 124), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($107,778 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.