Lansing vs Portage: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Lansing, MI and Portage, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lansing, MI | Portage, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,499 | $118,254▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.14 | $56.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,328 | $74,125▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,328 | $89,647▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,442 | $151,364▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,904 | $183,294▲ |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Portage, MI offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lansing.
The salary gap between Lansing and Portage is $34,755 (41.62%). Portage's median is -11.86% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lansing spans $98,576,Portage spans $109,169. Portage 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, Portage ($126,882 effective) pays 44.34% 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 Lansing if…
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Portage if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,254/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($183,294)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,882)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Lansing grew 15.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Portage over the same period.
Lansing, MI
$69,900 (2020) → $80,910 (2025)
Portage, MI
$105,773 (2024) → $114,587 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lansing, MI
Portage, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Lansing or Portage?
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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