Cleveland vs Columbus: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Cleveland, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,226 | $109,949▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.03 | $52.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,980▲ | $66,079 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,880 | $87,421▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,760 | $144,294▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,445 | $173,913▲ |
| Total Employed | 180 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Columbus is $1,723 (1.59%). Columbus's median is -18.05% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $90,465,Columbus spans $107,834. Columbus 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, Cleveland ($115,228 effective) pays 0.05% more than Columbus ($115,167 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,228)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,949/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,913)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Cleveland grew 15.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.0% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$90,900 (2019) → $104,870 (2025)
Columbus, OH
$93,480 (2019) → $106,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Cleveland or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Columbus as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Cleveland vs Columbus?
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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