Aurora vs Champaign: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Aurora, IL and Champaign, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, IL | Champaign, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,641 | $131,211▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.85 | $63.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,233 | $78,184▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $92,729 | $96,770▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,661 | $167,950▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,394 | $203,376▲ |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Champaign, IL offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Champaign is $2,570 (2.00%). 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 Aurora spans $122,161,Champaign spans $125,192. Champaign 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 2.00% more than Aurora ($132,483 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,211/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,376)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,130)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Aurora grew 0.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.0% growth in Champaign over the same period.
Aurora, IL
$124,652 (2024) → $124,652 (2025)
Champaign, IL
$127,142 (2024) → $127,142 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, IL
Champaign, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Aurora or Champaign?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Champaign?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Champaign as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Aurora vs Champaign?
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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