Actuary · Salary Comparison · 2026
Actuary Salary: Chicago, IL vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Actuarys in Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$113,000 vs $150,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$105,607 vs $92,593
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$92,751 vs $85,556
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $113,000 | $150,000▲ | -$37,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,010 | $115,500▲ | -$28,490 |
| 75th Percentile | $144,640 | $192,000▲ | -$47,360 |
| 90th Percentile | $180,800 | $240,000▲ | -$59,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 162 | -55 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $105,607▲ | $92,593 | +$13,014 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $99,244 | $138,600▲ | -$39,356 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $92,751▲ | $85,556 | +$7,195 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 46,400 | -18,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $37,000 more (median: $113,000 vs $150,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 162), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($105,607 vs $92,593 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.