Columbus vs Indianapolis: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Columbus, IN and Indianapolis, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, IN | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $120,690▲ | $104,273 |
| Hourly Rate | $58.03▲ | $50.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,822▲ | $69,650 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,141▲ | $84,056 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,770▲ | $135,306 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $187,070▲ | $144,150 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 490▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, IN offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Indianapolis.
The salary gap between Columbus and Indianapolis is $16,417 (15.74%). Columbus's median is -10.04% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $113,248,Indianapolis spans $74,500. Columbus 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, Columbus ($132,191 effective) pays 21.32% more than Indianapolis ($108,963 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($120,690/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($187,070)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,191)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Columbus grew 13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.7% growth in Indianapolis over the same period.
Columbus, IN
$103,454 (2024) → $116,948 (2025)
Indianapolis, IN
$99,370 (2019) → $101,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Columbus or Indianapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Indianapolis?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Indianapolis as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Columbus vs Indianapolis?
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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