Actuary Salary Guide

Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess risk, design insurance products, set pricing and reserves, model future events, and advise businesses on managing financial uncertainty.

What is the average Actuary salary?

Entry Level

$70,000 - $95,000

Mid Level

$95,000 - $140,000

Senior Level

$140,000 - $220,000

How does Actuary salary grow with experience?

$70,000 - $95,000
0-2
$95,000 - $125,000
3-5
$120,000 - $160,000
6-9
$140,000 - $220,000++
10+
Base (min)
Top of range (max)
Max: $220k

Actuary salary by location

New York, NY$95,000 - $200,000
San Francisco Bay Area, CA$100,000 - $210,000
Chicago, IL$90,000 - $185,000
Boston, MA$90,000 - $180,000
Dallas / Houston, TX$80,000 - $165,000
Base (min)
Top of range (max)

What factors affect a Actuary's salary?

  • Progress toward actuarial credentials (ASA/FSA or ACAS/FCAS)
  • Industry specialization (life, property & casualty, health, pensions, enterprise risk)
  • Geographic location and local cost of living
  • Technical skills (statistical modeling, programming in R/Python, SQL) and leadership responsibilities
  • Employer type and size (large insurers, consultancies, reinsurers, fintech)

Frequently Asked Questions About Actuary Salaries

What is the average starting salary for an entry-level actuary?

Entry-level actuaries typically earn between $70,000 and $95,000 annually, depending on exam progress, employer, and location.

How much can a senior actuary make?

Senior actuaries commonly earn between $140,000 and $220,000 per year; total compensation can be higher with bonuses, leadership roles, or specialized expertise.

Which factors most affect an actuary's salary?

Key factors include actuarial exam progress and credentials, industry (life, P&C, health, pensions), location, years of experience, and technical or leadership skills.

Do actuary salaries vary by location?

Yes. Major financial centers like New York and San Francisco pay premium salaries, while regional markets or smaller firms often pay less.

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