Gardner vs Overland Park: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Gardner, KS and Overland Park, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gardner, KS | Overland Park, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,548 | $113,487▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.78 | $54.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,010▲ | $65,822 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,217 | $81,711▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $132,541 | $145,263▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,499 | $175,904▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 29▲ |
Verdict
Overland Park, KS offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gardner.
The salary gap between Gardner and Overland Park is $9,939 (9.60%). Overland Park's median is -15.41% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gardner spans $91,489,Overland Park spans $110,082. Overland Park 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, Overland Park ($124,848 effective) pays 9.60% more than Gardner ($113,914 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gardner if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Overland Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,487/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,904)
- ✓Larger job market (29 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,848)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Gardner grew 6.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.3% growth in Overland Park over the same period.
Gardner, KS
$94,409 (2024) → $100,337 (2025)
Overland Park, KS
$103,472 (2024) → $109,968 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gardner, KS
Overland Park, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Gardner or Overland Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gardner and Overland Park?
Should I relocate from Gardner to Overland Park as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Gardner vs Overland Park?
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