Actuary · Salary Comparison · 2026
Actuary Salary: Richmond, VA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Actuarys in Richmond, VA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$101,000 vs $150,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$100,000 vs $92,593
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Richmond, VA
$87,087 vs $85,556
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $101,000 | $150,000▲ | -$49,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,770 | $115,500▲ | -$37,730 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,280 | $192,000▲ | -$62,720 |
| 90th Percentile | $161,600 | $240,000▲ | -$78,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 162 | -61 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $100,000▲ | $92,593 | +$7,407 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $87,958 | $138,600▲ | -$50,642 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $87,087▲ | $85,556 | +$1,531 |
| Total Employment | 11,200 | 46,400 | -35,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $49,000 more (median: $101,000 vs $150,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 162), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($100,000 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.