Actuary · Salary Comparison · 2026
Actuary Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Actuarys in Pittsburgh, PA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$97,000 vs $150,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$107,778 vs $92,593
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$96,529 vs $85,556
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $97,000 | $150,000▲ | -$53,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,690 | $115,500▲ | -$40,810 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,160 | $192,000▲ | -$67,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $155,200 | $240,000▲ | -$84,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $107,778▲ | $92,593 | +$15,185 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $86,876 | $138,600▲ | -$51,724 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $96,529▲ | $85,556 | +$10,973 |
| Total Employment | 11,200 | 46,400 | -35,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $53,000 more (median: $97,000 vs $150,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($107,778 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.