Columbus vs Fairfield: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Columbus, OH and Fairfield, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Fairfield, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,949 | $116,867▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.86 | $56.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,079 | $76,048▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,421 | $90,749▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $144,294 | $147,782▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,913 | $181,144▲ |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Fairfield, OH offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Fairfield is $6,918 (6.29%). Fairfield's median is -12.89% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $107,834,Fairfield spans $105,096. 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, Fairfield ($128,850 effective) pays 11.88% more than Columbus ($115,167 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Fairfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,867/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,144)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,850)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Columbus grew 14.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Fairfield over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$93,480 (2019) → $106,540 (2025)
Fairfield, OH
$104,532 (2024) → $113,243 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Fairfield, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Columbus or Fairfield?
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Should I relocate from Columbus to Fairfield as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Columbus vs Fairfield?
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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