DeKalb vs Rockford: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between DeKalb, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DeKalb, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,355 | $129,209▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.27 | $62.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,101▲ | $78,321 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,633▲ | $96,602 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,705 | $165,388▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,300 | $200,275▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 34▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to DeKalb.
The salary gap between DeKalb and Rockford is $3,854 (3.07%). Rockford's median is -3.69% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in DeKalb spans $112,199,Rockford spans $121,954. Rockford 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, Rockford ($133,068 effective) pays 3.07% more than DeKalb ($129,099 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose DeKalb if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,209/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($200,275)
- ✓Larger job market (34 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,068)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in DeKalb grew 0.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.0% growth in Rockford over the same period.
DeKalb, IL
$121,468 (2024) → $121,468 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$125,203 (2024) → $125,203 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
DeKalb, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: DeKalb or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between DeKalb and Rockford?
Should I relocate from DeKalb to Rockford as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in DeKalb vs Rockford?
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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