Champaign vs Chicago: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Champaign, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Champaign, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,211▲ | $117,369 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.09▲ | $56.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,184 | $82,188▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $96,770 | $99,041▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $167,950 | $168,928▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,376 | $215,956▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 1,560▲ |
Verdict
Champaign and Chicago are closely matched on overall actuary compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Champaign and Chicago is $13,842 (11.79%). Champaign's median is -2.20% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Champaign spans $125,192,Chicago spans $133,768. Chicago 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, Champaign ($135,130 effective) pays 19.27% more than Chicago ($113,296 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,211/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,130)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($215,956)
- ✓Larger job market (1,560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Champaign grew 0.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.7% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Champaign, IL
$127,142 (2024) → $127,142 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$102,700 (2019) → $113,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Champaign, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Champaign or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Champaign and Chicago?
Should I relocate from Champaign to Chicago as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Champaign vs Chicago?
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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