Actuary Salary in the United States
Based on 24K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$124,781
$59.99/hr
▲ 2.7% vs 2024Salary Range
$79K – $199K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
24K
workers nationwide
The median Actuary salary in the United States is $124,781 per year, or approximately $60 per hour. This reflects a profession that involves significant analytical and statistical expertise to assess financial risks, particularly within the insurance and finance industries. The salary range for actuaries is substantial, from $78,523 to $199,213 annually, indicating varied earning potential.
Several factors influence an actuary's compensation. These include years of experience, the specific industry of employment, the level of responsibility within a company, and geographic location, with some states offering higher average pay. Holding advanced certifications and specialized skills can also lead to increased earning opportunities for actuaries.
Salary Distribution — Actuary
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,523 |
| 25th percentile | $96,053 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $124,781 |
| 75th percentile | $159,870 |
| 90th percentile | $199,213 |
Actuary Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Actuary
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | $166,800 | +33.7% | 1K |
| 2 | District of Columbia | $166,230 | +33.2% | 160 |
| 3 | New York | $156,480 | +25.4% | 3K |
| 4 | New Jersey | $142,800 | +14.4% | 1K |
| 5 | Alabama | $136,950 | +9.8% | 190 |
| 6 | Arizona | $135,870 | +8.9% | 200 |
| 7 | Washington | $134,720 | +8.0% | 360 |
| 8 | Utah | $132,720 | +6.4% | 180 |
| 9 | Nevada | $132,370 | +6.1% | 120 |
| 10 | Florida | $132,110 | +5.9% | 1K |
Actuary Salary by Industry
How much Actuarys earn across industries nationwide — Other Services (except Public Administration) pays the most ($175,980 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $175,980 | +41.0% | 50 |
| 2 | Finance and Insurance | $131,450 | +5.3% | 20K |
| 3 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $129,810 | +4.0% | 1K |
| 4 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $129,650 | +3.9% | 850 |
| 5 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $124,130 | -0.5% | 4K |
| 6 | Administrative and Support Services | $122,400 | -1.9% | 370 |
| 7 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,630 | -21.8% | 110 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Actuary
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Actuary roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ernst & Young | $175,000 | 23 |
| 2 | Deloitte | $126,378 | 4 |
| 3 | Ace American Insurance | $120,000 | 3 |
| 4 | Cvs Shared Services Resources | $77,000 | 3 |
Historical Salary Trend — Actuary
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $112,138 |
| 2023 | $112,820 |
| 2024 | $121,524 |
| 2025 | $124,781 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,125 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Actuary Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $96,053 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $124,781 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $159,870 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $199,213 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an Actuary in the US?
- The median Actuary salary in the United States is $124,781 annually. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with half of actuaries earning more and half earning less.
What is the typical salary range for an Actuary?
- Actuary salaries in the US generally fall between $78,523 and $199,213 per year. This wide range indicates significant differences in compensation based on experience and other factors.
Which states pay actuaries the most?
- Connecticut is a top-paying state for actuaries, with an average salary of $166,800 per year. Other high-paying locations can be found by exploring detailed salary data by state.
How many actuaries are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 23,710 actuaries employed across the United States. This indicates a specialized but significant job market for these professionals.