Actuary · Salary Comparison · 2026
Actuary Salary: Richmond, VA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Actuarys in Richmond, VA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$101,000 vs $123,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$100,000 vs $99,194
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$87,087 vs $91,655
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $101,000 | $123,000▲ | -$22,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,770 | $94,710▲ | -$16,940 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,280 | $157,440▲ | -$28,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $161,600 | $196,800▲ | -$35,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 124 | -23 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $100,000▲ | $99,194 | +$806 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $87,958 | $113,652▲ | -$25,694 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $87,087 | $91,655▲ | -$4,568 |
| Total Employment | 11,200 | 30,400 | -19,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $22,000 more (median: $101,000 vs $123,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 124), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($100,000 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.