Madison vs Wauwatosa: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Madison, WI and Wauwatosa, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Wauwatosa, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,661▲ | $118,789 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.14▲ | $57.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,736▲ | $74,916 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,090▲ | $90,389 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,669▲ | $152,051 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $223,459▲ | $184,123 |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wauwatosa.
The salary gap between Madison and Wauwatosa is $20,872 (17.57%). 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,Wauwatosa spans $109,207. 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 12.87% more than Wauwatosa ($127,183 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 Wauwatosa 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 Wauwatosa over the same period.
Madison, WI
$109,010 (2019) → $135,330 (2025)
Wauwatosa, WI
$108,023 (2024) → $115,106 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Wauwatosa, WI
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