Indianapolis vs Lafayette: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Indianapolis, IN and Lafayette, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Lafayette, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,273 | $123,295▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.13 | $59.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,650 | $71,511▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,056 | $95,536▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,306 | $157,818▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,150 | $191,108▲ |
| Total Employed | 490▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Lafayette, IN offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Indianapolis.
The salary gap between Indianapolis and Lafayette is $19,022 (18.24%). Lafayette's median is -8.10% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Indianapolis spans $74,500,Lafayette spans $119,597. Lafayette 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, Lafayette ($135,044 effective) pays 23.94% more than Indianapolis ($108,963 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,295/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($191,108)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,044)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Indianapolis grew 1.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Indianapolis, IN
$99,370 (2019) → $101,040 (2025)
Lafayette, IN
$105,687 (2024) → $119,472 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Indianapolis, IN
Lafayette, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Indianapolis or Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Indianapolis and Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Indianapolis to Lafayette as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Indianapolis vs Lafayette?
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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