Rockford vs Wheaton: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Rockford, IL and Wheaton, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Wheaton, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,209▲ | $128,033 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.12▲ | $61.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,321 | $81,487▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $96,602 | $98,323▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,388▲ | $163,883 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $200,275▲ | $198,452 |
| Total Employed | 34▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheaton.
The salary gap between Rockford and Wheaton is $1,176 (0.92%). Rockford's median is -3.69% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rockford spans $121,954,Wheaton spans $116,965. Rockford 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, Rockford ($133,068 effective) pays 0.92% more than Wheaton ($131,857 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,209/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($200,275)
- ✓Larger job market (34 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,068)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Rockford grew 0.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.0% growth in Wheaton over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$125,203 (2024) → $125,203 (2025)
Wheaton, IL
$124,063 (2024) → $124,063 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Wheaton, IL
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