Grand Rapids vs Kentwood: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Grand Rapids, MI and Kentwood, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Kentwood, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,321▲ | $98,543 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.24▲ | $47.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,521▲ | $61,064 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,651▲ | $74,436 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,038▲ | $126,134 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,043▲ | $152,741 |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Grand Rapids, MI offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kentwood.
The salary gap between Grand Rapids and Kentwood is $1,778 (1.80%). Grand Rapids's median is -25.22% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Rapids spans $105,522,Kentwood spans $91,677. Grand Rapids has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kentwood ($105,733 effective) pays 0.70% more than Grand Rapids ($104,998 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,321/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,043)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Kentwood if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,733)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Grand Rapids grew 4.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.2% growth in Kentwood over the same period.
Grand Rapids, MI
$93,110 (2019) → $97,210 (2025)
Kentwood, MI
$108,760 (2024) → $95,487 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Rapids, MI
Kentwood, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Grand Rapids or Kentwood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Rapids and Kentwood?
Should I relocate from Grand Rapids to Kentwood as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Grand Rapids vs Kentwood?
Related Comparisons
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