Columbus vs Westerville: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Columbus, OH and Westerville, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Westerville, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,949 | $120,067▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.86 | $57.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,079 | $73,726▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,421 | $89,886▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $144,294 | $152,998▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,913 | $186,104▲ |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Westerville, OH offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Westerville is $10,118 (9.20%). Westerville's median is -10.50% 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,Westerville spans $112,378. Westerville 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, Westerville ($132,378 effective) pays 14.94% 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 Westerville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($120,067/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($186,104)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,378)
- ✓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 Westerville over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$93,480 (2019) → $106,540 (2025)
Westerville, OH
$107,395 (2024) → $116,344 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Westerville, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Columbus or Westerville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Westerville?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Westerville as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Columbus vs Westerville?
Related Comparisons
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