Actuary Salary in the United States
Based on 27K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$121,524
$58.425/hr
▲ 7.7% vs 2023Salary Range
$91K – $192K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
27K
workers nationwide
Actuary salary in the United States reflects the specialized expertise required in this mathematical and analytical field. The median annual salary for actuaries is $121,524, with approximately 26,830 professionals currently employed in this role across the country. This compensation level positions actuaries among well-paid professionals in the finance and insurance sectors.
Actuary salaries vary significantly based on several key factors, including education level, professional certifications, years of experience, and geographic location. Specialization within the field, such as life insurance, health insurance, or pension planning, also influences earning potential. Individual salaries typically range from $90,590 to $191,880 annually, demonstrating the substantial impact these variables have on compensation in the actuarial profession.
Salary Distribution — Actuary
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $90,590 |
| 25th percentile | $125,200 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $121,524 |
| 75th percentile | $180,360 |
| 90th percentile | $191,880 |
Actuary Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Actuary
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $153,340 | +26.2% | 200 |
| 2 | Washington | $153,260 | +26.1% | 250 |
| 3 | Connecticut | $148,220 | +22.0% | 1K |
| 4 | Alabama | $143,230 | +17.9% | — |
| 5 | New Jersey | $137,330 | +13.0% | 1K |
| 6 | Virginia | $135,880 | +11.8% | 690 |
| 7 | New York | $133,730 | +10.0% | 3K |
| 8 | Maine | $132,970 | +9.4% | 90 |
| 9 | Maryland | $132,740 | +9.2% | 610 |
| 10 | Nevada | $132,470 | +9.0% | 140 |
Historical Salary Trend — Actuary
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $112,138 |
| 2023 | $112,820 |
| 2024 | $121,524 |
Actuary Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do actuaries make per year in the United States?
- The median salary for actuaries in the United States is $121,524 per year, or approximately $58 per hour. Salaries typically range from $90,590 to $191,880 depending on experience, location, and employer.
What city pays actuaries the most?
- The District of Columbia is the top paying city for actuaries in the United States, with an average salary of $153,340 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median of $121,524.
What is the salary range for actuaries?
- Actuaries in the United States earn between $90,590 and $191,880 annually, representing the 10th and 90th percentile of the profession. The median salary falls at $121,524, which represents the midpoint of the profession's earnings.
How many actuaries are employed in the United States?
- There are currently 26,830 actuaries employed across the United States. This represents the total number of professionals working in this actuarial role nationwide.