Eau Claire vs Milwaukee: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Eau Claire, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eau Claire, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,569 | $136,234▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.85 | $65.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,410 | $84,376▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $98,608 | $98,680▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,007 | $165,646▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $196,181 | $211,343▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 310▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Eau Claire.
The salary gap between Eau Claire and Milwaukee is $9,665 (7.64%). Milwaukee's median is +1.55% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eau Claire spans $122,771,Milwaukee spans $126,967. Milwaukee 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, Milwaukee ($140,539 effective) pays 3.71% more than Eau Claire ($135,513 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eau Claire if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,234/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($211,343)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,539)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Eau Claire grew 6.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.3% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Eau Claire, WI
$115,096 (2024) → $122,644 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$119,640 (2019) → $132,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eau Claire, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Eau Claire or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eau Claire and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Eau Claire to Milwaukee as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Eau Claire vs Milwaukee?
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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