Lansing vs Traverse City: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Lansing, MI and Traverse City, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lansing, MI | Traverse City, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,499 | $118,329▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.14 | $56.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,328 | $72,866▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,328 | $88,453▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,442 | $149,678▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,904 | $181,168▲ |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Traverse City, MI offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lansing.
The salary gap between Lansing and Traverse City is $34,830 (41.71%). Traverse City's median is -11.80% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lansing spans $98,576,Traverse City spans $108,302. Traverse City 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, Traverse City ($126,962 effective) pays 44.44% more than Lansing ($87,902 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Traverse City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,329/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,168)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,962)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Lansing grew 15.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Traverse City over the same period.
Lansing, MI
$69,900 (2020) → $80,910 (2025)
Traverse City, MI
$105,840 (2024) → $114,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lansing, MI
Traverse City, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Lansing or Traverse City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and Traverse City?
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What do entry-level actuarys earn in Lansing vs Traverse City?
Related Comparisons
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