Cleveland vs Lakewood: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Cleveland, OH and Lakewood, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Lakewood, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,226 | $121,069▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.03 | $58.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,980▲ | $70,220 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,880 | $87,489▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,760 | $154,968▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,445 | $187,657▲ |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Lakewood, OH offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Lakewood is $12,843 (11.87%). Lakewood's median is -9.76% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $90,465,Lakewood spans $117,437. Lakewood 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, Lakewood ($133,483 effective) pays 15.84% more than Cleveland ($115,228 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($121,069/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($187,657)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,483)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Cleveland grew 15.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$90,900 (2019) → $104,870 (2025)
Lakewood, OH
$108,290 (2024) → $117,315 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Lakewood, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Cleveland or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Lakewood as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Cleveland vs Lakewood?
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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