Chicago vs Urbana: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Chicago, IL and Urbana, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Urbana, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $117,369 | $125,901▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.43 | $60.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,188 | $83,356▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,041▲ | $98,721 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,928▲ | $161,153 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $215,956▲ | $195,146 |
| Total Employed | 1,560▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Chicago and Urbana are closely matched on overall actuary compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chicago and Urbana is $8,532 (7.27%). Urbana's median is -6.16% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $133,768,Urbana spans $111,790. Chicago 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, Urbana ($129,661 effective) pays 14.44% more than Chicago ($113,296 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($215,956)
- ✓Larger job market (1,560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Urbana if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($125,901/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,661)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Chicago grew 10.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.0% growth in Urbana over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$102,700 (2019) → $113,730 (2025)
Urbana, IL
$121,997 (2024) → $121,997 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Urbana, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Chicago or Urbana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Urbana?
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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