Madison vs River Falls: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Madison, WI and River Falls, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | River Falls, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,661▲ | $118,074 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.14▲ | $56.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,736▲ | $71,842 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,090▲ | $92,272 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,669▲ | $151,135 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $223,459▲ | $183,015 |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to River Falls.
The salary gap between Madison and River Falls is $21,587 (18.28%). Madison's median is +4.10% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $139,723,River Falls spans $111,173. Madison 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, Madison ($143,556 effective) pays 13.56% more than River Falls ($126,418 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,661/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($223,459)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,556)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose River Falls if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Madison grew 24.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.6% growth in River Falls over the same period.
Madison, WI
$109,010 (2019) → $135,330 (2025)
River Falls, WI
$107,372 (2024) → $114,413 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
River Falls, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Madison or River Falls?
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Should I relocate from Madison to River Falls as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Madison vs River Falls?
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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