Fort Wayne vs Lafayette: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Lafayette, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Lafayette, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,395▲ | $123,295 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.65▲ | $59.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,926▲ | $71,511 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,912▲ | $95,536 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,515 | $157,818▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,679 | $191,108▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Lafayette is $9,100 (7.38%). Fort Wayne's median is -1.32% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $89,753,Lafayette spans $119,597. Lafayette 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, Fort Wayne ($143,018 effective) pays 5.91% more than Lafayette ($135,044 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,395/year)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,018)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($191,108)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Fort Wayne grew 27.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$100,820 (2020) → $128,290 (2025)
Lafayette, IN
$105,687 (2024) → $119,472 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Lafayette, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Fort Wayne or Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Lafayette as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Fort Wayne vs Lafayette?
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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