Detroit vs Kalamazoo: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Detroit, MI and Kalamazoo, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Kalamazoo, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,020 | $126,327▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.42 | $60.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,743 | $75,388▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,634 | $93,641▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,475 | $161,699▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,997 | $195,808▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Kalamazoo, MI offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Detroit.
The salary gap between Detroit and Kalamazoo is $17,307 (15.88%). Kalamazoo's median is -5.84% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $106,254,Kalamazoo spans $120,420. Kalamazoo 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, Kalamazoo ($135,544 effective) pays 24.70% more than Detroit ($108,696 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Kalamazoo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($126,327/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($195,808)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,544)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Detroit grew 14.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Kalamazoo over the same period.
Detroit, MI
$92,040 (2019) → $105,640 (2025)
Kalamazoo, MI
$112,994 (2024) → $122,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Detroit, MI
Kalamazoo, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Detroit or Kalamazoo?
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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