Actuary · Salary Comparison · 2026
Actuary Salary: Salt Lake City, UT vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Actuarys in Salt Lake City, UT and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$106,000 vs $150,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Salt Lake City, UT
$94,643 vs $92,593
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$83,384 vs $85,556
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $106,000 | $150,000▲ | -$44,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,620 | $115,500▲ | -$33,880 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,680 | $192,000▲ | -$56,320 |
| 90th Percentile | $169,600 | $240,000▲ | -$70,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 162 | -50 |
| State Income Tax | 4.65% | 0%▲ | +4.65% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $94,643▲ | $92,593 | +$2,050 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $93,390 | $138,600▲ | -$45,210 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $83,384 | $85,556▲ | -$2,172 |
| Total Employment | 14,400 | 46,400 | -32,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Salt Lake City, UT minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $44,000 more (median: $106,000 vs $150,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 162), Salt Lake City, UT provides better purchasing power ($94,643 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.