Aurora vs Waukegan: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Aurora, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,641 | $130,457▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.85 | $62.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,233▲ | $76,517 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,729 | $95,300▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,661 | $166,985▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,394 | $202,209▲ |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Waukegan, IL offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Waukegan is $1,816 (1.41%). Waukegan's median is -2.76% 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,Waukegan spans $125,692. Waukegan 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, Waukegan ($134,353 effective) pays 1.41% 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 Waukegan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,457/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($202,209)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,353)
- ✓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 Waukegan over the same period.
Aurora, IL
$124,652 (2024) → $124,652 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$126,412 (2024) → $126,412 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Aurora or Waukegan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Waukegan?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Waukegan as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Aurora vs Waukegan?
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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