Business & Finance Illinois (IL) Rank #16 of 50

Actuary Salary in Illinois

The median actuary salary in Illinois is $115,130 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $113,990.

Median Salary
$115,130
vs National
+$1,140
State Rank
#16 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Actuary Salary Overview in Illinois (2026)

Illinois ranks #16 out of 50 states for actuary compensation. Illinois falls in the middle of the pack for actuary pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $115,130 per year, actuarys in Illinois earn $1,140 more than the national median of $113,990.

Illinois's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning actuary salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Illinois is significant: actuarys at the 10th percentile earn $69,084, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $197,970 — a $128,886 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Illinois for this role is Naperville, where the median reaches $129,949.

Nationally, actuary employment is projected to grow 21% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Illinois and beyond.

Actuary Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level actuary earns around $70,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $176,750 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,700
+$700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$116,150
+$1,150 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$176,750
+$1,750 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile IL Salary
10th Percentile $69,084
25th Percentile $88,072
Median (50th) $115,130
75th Percentile $152,510
90th Percentile $197,970

Actuary Salary by City in Illinois

The largest employment areas for actuarys in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Actuary in Illinois

Education

Most actuary positions require a bachelor's degree. Illinois has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Statistical ModelingRisk AssessmentFinancial MathematicsExcel/VBASQLActuarial Exams

Job Outlook in Illinois

Nationally, actuary employment is projected to grow 21% over the next decade (much faster than average). Illinois's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Actuary Salary in Illinois

How much does a Actuary make in Illinois? ▼
The median actuary salary in Illinois is $115,130 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $113,990. Salaries range from $69,084 (10th percentile) to $197,970 (90th percentile).
How much does a Actuary make per hour in Illinois? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $115,130, a actuary in Illinois earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Illinois a good state for actuarys? ▼
Illinois ranks #16 out of 50 states for actuary pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level actuarys earn $70,700, while senior professionals earn $176,750.
How does Illinois compare to other states for actuary salary? ▼
The highest paying state for actuarys is Hawaii at $193,783. Illinois's median of $115,130 ranks #16 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Delaware ($120,829) and Colorado ($119,690).
What is the entry-level actuary salary in Illinois? ▼
An entry-level actuary in Illinois earns approximately $70,700 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $116,150. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $176,750.
What city in Illinois pays actuarys the most? ▼
Naperville is the highest paying city in Illinois for actuarys, with a median salary of $129,949. Other cities include Chicago and Aurora.