Business & Finance

Actuary Salary

Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty, primarily in the insurance and pension industries.

Median Salary
$113,990
Mean Salary
$120,750
Total Employed
32,600
Job Growth
+21%

Actuary Salary by Experience Level

Entry-level actuarys earn around $70,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $115,000. Senior-level actuarys can earn $175,000 or more.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,000
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,000
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$175,000

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Salary Percentile Breakdown

The salary range for actuarys varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $68,400, while the top 10% earn $196,010.

Percentile Annual Salary
10th Percentile $68,400
25th Percentile $87,200
50th Percentile (Median) $113,990
75th Percentile $151,000
90th Percentile $196,010

Actuary Salary by State

Actuary salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $193,783, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $94,612.

State Median
#1 Hawaii $193,783 Details →
#2 Massachusetts $161,866 Details →
#3 California $157,306 Details →
#4 New York $152,747 Details →
#5 Alaska $141,348 Details →
#6 New Jersey $140,208 Details →
#7 Connecticut $136,788 Details →
#8 Maryland $131,089 Details →
#9 Washington $131,089 Details →
#10 Oregon $125,389 Details →
#11 Virginia $124,249 Details →
#12 New Hampshire $121,969 Details →
#13 Rhode Island $121,969 Details →
#14 Delaware $120,829 Details →
#15 Colorado $119,690 Details →
#16 Illinois $115,130 Details →
#17 Vermont $115,130 Details →
#18 Pennsylvania $113,990 Details →
#19 Minnesota $112,850 Details →
#20 Florida $111,710 Details →
#21 Maine $111,710 Details →
#22 Arizona $110,570 Details →
#23 Nevada $110,570 Details →
#24 Utah $110,570 Details →
#25 Georgia $108,291 Details →
#26 Montana $108,291 Details →
#27 North Carolina $108,291 Details →
#28 Idaho $107,151 Details →
#29 New Mexico $106,011 Details →
#30 Nebraska $104,871 Details →
#31 Texas $104,871 Details →
#32 Wisconsin $104,871 Details →
#33 Wyoming $104,871 Details →
#34 Louisiana $103,731 Details →
#35 Indiana $102,591 Details →
#36 Michigan $102,591 Details →
#37 North Dakota $102,591 Details →
#38 Ohio $102,591 Details →
#39 Iowa $101,451 Details →
#40 South Carolina $101,451 Details →
#41 Tennessee $101,451 Details →
#42 Missouri $100,311 Details →
#43 South Dakota $100,311 Details →
#44 Alabama $99,171 Details →
#45 Kansas $99,171 Details →
#46 Kentucky $99,171 Details →
#47 Oklahoma $98,031 Details →
#48 Arkansas $95,752 Details →
#49 West Virginia $95,752 Details →
#50 Mississippi $94,612 Details →

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Key Responsibilities

  • ● Analyze statistical data to estimate probability and risk
  • ● Design insurance policies and pension plans
  • ● Calculate premium rates and reserve requirements
  • ● Prepare reports and present findings to stakeholders
  • ● Ensure compliance with government regulations

Top Skills

Statistical Modeling Risk Assessment Financial Mathematics Excel/VBA SQL Actuarial Exams

Education Required

Bachelor's degree

Job Outlook

Much faster than average — projected 21% growth over the next decade

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Frequently Asked Questions About Actuary Salaries

How much does a Actuary make per year? ▼
The median actuary salary in the United States is $113,990 per year. Entry-level positions start around $70,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $175,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $120,750.
How much does a Actuary make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $113,990 per year, a actuary earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for actuarys? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for actuarys, with a median salary of $193,783. Other top-paying states include Massachusetts ($161,866) and California ($157,306).
What education do you need to become a actuary? ▼
Most actuary positions require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Statistical Modeling, Risk Assessment, Financial Mathematics, Excel/VBA. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for actuarys? ▼
Employment for actuarys is projected to grow 21% over the next decade, which is much faster than average. There are currently 32,600 actuarys employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level actuary make? ▼
An entry-level actuary with 0-2 years of experience earns around $70,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $115,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $68,400, while the top 10% earn $196,010.