Chicago vs Aurora: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Chicago, IL and Aurora, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Aurora, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $117,369 | $128,641▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.43 | $61.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,188▲ | $77,233 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,041▲ | $92,729 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,928▲ | $164,661 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $215,956▲ | $199,394 |
| Total Employed | 1,560▲ | 44 |
Verdict
Chicago and Aurora are closely matched on overall actuary compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chicago and Aurora is $11,272 (9.60%). Aurora's median is -4.11% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $133,768,Aurora spans $122,161. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Aurora ($132,483 effective) pays 16.94% 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 Chicago if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($215,956)
- ✓Larger job market (1,560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,641/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,483)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Chicago grew 10.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.0% growth in Aurora over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$102,700 (2019) → $113,730 (2025)
Aurora, IL
$124,652 (2024) → $124,652 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Aurora, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Chicago or Aurora?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Aurora?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Aurora as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Chicago vs Aurora?
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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