Actuary Salary in 2026
Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess risk and uncertainty in insurance, pensions, and investments. They design policies and calculate premiums.
Median Salary
$113,000
$9,417/mo
Entry Level
$69,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$153,000
experienced
Job Growth
+21%
10-yr outlook
Actuary Overview
Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess risk and uncertainty in insurance, pensions, and investments. They design policies and calculate premiums.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Finance
Total Jobs (US)
30K
5-Year Growth
+23%
Category
Finance
Hourly Rate
$54.33/hr
Monthly Pay
$9,417
Actuary Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Actuary salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Actuary Salary
$124,000
$10,333/month · $4,769/biweekly · $59.62/hr
Actuary Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Actuary field.
Entry-level Actuarys earn around $69,000, while the top 10% earn $178,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Actuarys
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $130,000 | +$17,000 |
| Massachusetts | $127,000 | +$14,000 |
| Connecticut | $124,000 | +$11,000 |
| Illinois | $118,000 | +$5,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $113,000 | $0 |
Top Paying Cities for Actuarys
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $133,000 | +$20,000 |
| Boston | $127,000 | +$14,000 |
| Hartford | $120,000 | +$7,000 |
| Chicago | $119,000 | +$6,000 |
| Philadelphia | $115,000 | +$2,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Actuary Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Actuary from entry level to expert.
$69,000
0-2 years
$111,000
3-7 years
$153,000
8-14 years
$203,000
15+ years
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Actuary Salary FAQ
How much does a Actuary make in 2026?
The median salary for a Actuary in the United States is $113,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $69,000, while senior professionals earn up to $153,000. Top earners in the field can make $203,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Actuary?
A Actuary typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 2-5 years of experience. Key skills include Statistical Modeling, Risk Assessment, R. Relevant certifications such as ASA or FSA can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Actuarys?
The job market for Actuarys is projected to grow by 21% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 30K Actuary positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 23%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Actuarys the most?
The highest-paying states for Actuarys include Connecticut, New York, Illinois. In Connecticut, the median salary is approximately $124,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Actuary salary?
To increase your Actuary salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Statistical Modeling and Risk Assessment. Pursue certifications such as ASA. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Hartford. With 2-5 years of experience, you can progress from $69,000 to $153,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Actuary Salary
How we calculate Actuary salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $113,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Actuary in the Finance sector.
- Entry-level ($69,000) and senior-level ($153,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +21% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 30K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 23% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Finance sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $113,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Actuary compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Actuary job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Finance
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Actuary salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Statistical Modeling, Risk Assessment, R), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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