Grand Rapids vs Lansing: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Grand Rapids, MI and Lansing, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Lansing, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,321▲ | $83,499 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.24▲ | $40.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,521 | $67,328▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,651▲ | $67,328 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,038▲ | $107,442 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,043▲ | $165,904 |
| Total Employed | 60 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Grand Rapids, MI offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lansing.
The salary gap between Grand Rapids and Lansing is $16,822 (20.15%). 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,Lansing spans $98,576. 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, Grand Rapids ($104,998 effective) pays 19.45% more than Lansing ($87,902 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,998)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓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 15.8% growth in Lansing over the same period.
Grand Rapids, MI
$93,110 (2019) → $97,210 (2025)
Lansing, MI
$69,900 (2020) → $80,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Rapids, MI
Lansing, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
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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