Actuary Salary in Garden City, MI: $121,554 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Garden City, MI earns a median $121,554/year (≈ $58.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Garden City's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $130,423 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, actuary salaries in Garden City, Michigan, reflect a notable disparity when compared to the national figures, as the median annual salary is projected at $121,554. The local salary range spans from $71,500 at the 10th percentile to $188,409 at the 90th, highlighting how various factors such as employer type and credentials can influence compensation levels. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living considerations. Actuaries in Garden City seeking higher wages might find favorable opportunities through consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer, which typically offer more competitive compensation compared to traditional insurance companies.
About the Garden City Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,500 | $34.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96,184 | $46.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $121,554 | $58.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $155,589 | $74.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $188,409 | $90.58 |
Median Salary Position
9.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Garden City
In Garden City, MI, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,909 (2026 est.). At $121,554, the local median is 9.4% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Garden City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Garden City Actuary Pay Compares
Garden City median: $121,554/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Garden City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $125,056 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -9.40% less |
Actuarys in Garden City, MI earn a median of $121,554 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.40% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 2.80% below the Michigan state average of $125,056.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Garden City has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Garden City, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $121,554 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $130,423 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,169
2025 BLS Actual
$117,785
2026 Current Est.
$121,554
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Garden City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,169 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,597 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,949 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,279 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,725 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,725 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,785 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $121,554 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,444 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Garden City metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $98,169 (2019) to $117,785 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,444 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,275 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Garden City 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) | $71,500 – $96,184 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $96,184 – $121,554 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $121,554 – $155,589 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $155,589 – $188,409 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Garden City
Looking at the actuarial job market in Garden City, there are currently four actuaries employed in the area, suggesting a niche but established professional community. The cost of living index sits at 93.2, indicating that living expenses are below the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of local salaries. While life insurance giants like Prudential and MetLife offer competitive packages, consulting firms often provide higher pay, especially for those who progress through actuarial exams. The trajectory of compensation is primarily driven by credential advancements, where each exam passed can mean significant pay raises. For aspiring actuaries in this market, focusing on consulting roles and enhancing skills in predictive analytics may provide the best avenues for maximizing pay in Garden City, MI.
More salary data for Garden City, MI:
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 $117,785 for actuariesin the Garden City 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 Garden City 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