Actuary Salary in Gurnee, IL: $128,378 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Gurnee, IL earns a median $128,378/year (≈ $61.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Gurnee's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $132,212 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gurnee, Illinois, the actuarial profession is showing promise, given a projected median annual salary of $128,378 by 2026. This figure positions Gurnee's actuaries slightly below the national average of $134,160, but still represents a strong compensation framework within the local context. Salary ranges vary significantly, with a potential earning spectrum from $78,558 at the lower end to $198,985 for top performers. These estimates rely on BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, reflecting the area's unique economic conditions. Notably, actuarial roles here can draw from a diverse pool of employers, including consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer, which tend to offer higher salaries compared to traditional insurance companies.
About the Gurnee Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,558 | $37.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95,908 | $46.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,378 | $61.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $163,394 | $78.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $198,985 | $95.67 |
Median Salary Position
4.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gurnee
In Gurnee, IL, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,427 (2026 est.). At $128,378, the local median is 4.31% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gurnee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gurnee Actuary Pay Compares
Gurnee median: $128,378/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gurnee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $130,333 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -4.31% less |
Actuarys in Gurnee, IL earn a median of $128,378 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.31% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 1.50% below the Illinois state average of $130,333.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gurnee has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gurnee, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $128,378 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $132,212 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$103,680
2025 BLS Actual
$124,397
2026 Current Est.
$128,378
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Gurnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,680 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,245 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,336 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,077 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,828 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,397 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,397 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,378 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,486 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gurnee metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $103,680 (2019) to $124,397 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $132,486 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,806 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gurnee metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $78,558 – $95,908 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $95,908 – $128,378 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,378 – $163,394 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $163,394 – $198,985 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Gurnee
The local job market for actuaries in Gurnee is relatively small yet stable, with only 8 employed in the area. The cost of living index for Gurnee stands at 97.1, slightly below the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of those working in the field. Candidates seeking to maximize their actuary pay in Gurnee, IL, should focus on developing specialized skills and pursuing advanced credentials, as these factors create significant pay differentiation. For example, individuals increasing their qualifications from ASA to FSA can typically see substantial salary boosts, sometimes in the range of $3,000 to $8,000 per exam passed. Understanding which employers offer the most competitive compensation can also provide an edge; firms in consulting and specialty insurance markets, particularly those focusing on property and casualty or reinsurance, often yield the highest salaries in this domain.
More salary data for Gurnee, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $124,397 for actuariesin the Gurnee metropolitan area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gurnee is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for actuarys (SOC 15-2011).
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov