Appleton vs Madison: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Appleton, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,849 | $139,661▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.55 | $67.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,832 | $83,736▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $95,942 | $106,090▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $158,528 | $177,669▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $191,966 | $223,459▲ |
| Total Employed | 17 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Appleton.
The salary gap between Appleton and Madison is $15,812 (12.77%). Madison's median is +4.10% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $120,134,Madison spans $139,723. Madison has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($143,556 effective) pays 8.26% more than Appleton ($132,601 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,661/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($223,459)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,556)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Appleton grew 51.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.1% growth in Madison over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$79,310 (2019) → $120,009 (2025)
Madison, WI
$109,010 (2019) → $135,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Appleton or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Madison?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Madison as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Appleton vs Madison?
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Written by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in life insurance. She specializes in risk assessment and pricing strategies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov