Aurora vs Crystal Lake: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Aurora, IL and Crystal Lake, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, IL | Crystal Lake, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,641▲ | $124,052 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.85▲ | $59.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,233 | $79,135▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $92,729 | $95,058▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,661▲ | $158,786 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,394▲ | $192,280 |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Aurora, IL offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Crystal Lake.
The salary gap between Aurora and Crystal Lake is $4,589 (3.70%). 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 Aurora spans $122,161,Crystal Lake spans $113,145. Aurora 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 3.70% more than Crystal Lake ($127,757 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,641/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($199,394)
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,483)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Crystal Lake if…
- ✓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 Crystal Lake over the same period.
Aurora, IL
$124,652 (2024) → $124,652 (2025)
Crystal Lake, IL
$120,205 (2024) → $120,205 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, IL
Crystal Lake, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Aurora or Crystal Lake?
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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