Actuary Salary in Illinois
Based on 2K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$115,430
$55.50/hr
vs National Average
$124,781
-7.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$78K – $202K
2K employed in Illinois
Actuaries in Illinois earn a median salary of $115,430 per year, according to the latest employment data. With approximately 2,280 workers employed in the state, the actuarial profession represents a significant portion of Illinois's professional workforce. However, actuary salary in Illinois runs about 7% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations.
Several factors influence compensation for actuaries working in Illinois, including years of experience, professional certifications, and employer size. Entry-level positions typically start around $77,790 annually, while experienced actuaries with advanced credentials can earn upward of $202,160. The specific industry sector—whether insurance, pension consulting, or risk management—also plays a meaningful role in determining individual earning potential within the state.
Salary Distribution — Actuary in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,790 |
| 25th percentile | $95,940 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $115,430 |
| 75th percentile | $158,540 |
| 90th percentile | $202,160 |
Top-Paying Industries for Actuary (U.S.)
Which industries pay Actuarys the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Actuarys in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $175,980 | 50 |
| Finance and Insurance | $131,450 | 20K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $129,810 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $129,650 | 850 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $124,130 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Actuary in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $107,400 |
| 2023 | $119,650 |
| 2024 | $121,960 |
| 2025 | $115,430 |
| 2026 (projected) | $115,430 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $107,400 | $112,138 |
| 2023 | $119,650 | $112,820 |
| 2024 | $121,960 | $121,524 |
| 2025 | $115,430 | $124,781 |
| 2026 (projected) | $115,430 | $124,781 |
Actuary Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $95,940 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $115,430 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $158,540 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $202,160 |
Actuary Salary in Other States
Related Actuary Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Actuary ($115,430 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Actuary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in IL | $165,880 | +43.7% | $79.75/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in IL | $120,130 | +4.1% | $57.75/hr |
| Financial Analyst in IL | $101,180 | -12.3% | $48.64/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in IL | $99,840 | -13.5% | $48.00/hr |
| Budget Analyst in IL | $94,880 | -17.8% | $45.62/hr |
| Financial Examiner in IL | $93,150 | -19.3% | $44.78/hr |
| Credit Analyst in IL | $84,990 | -26.4% | $40.86/hr |
| Tax Examiner in IL | $81,180 | -29.7% | $39.03/hr |
| Compliance Officer in IL | $80,550 | -30.2% | $38.73/hr |
| Accountant in IL | $80,230 | -30.5% | $38.57/hr |
| Loan Officer in IL | $79,150 | -31.4% | $38.05/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in IL | $64,280 | -44.3% | $30.90/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do actuaries make in Illinois?
- The median salary for actuaries in Illinois is $115,430 per year, or $55 per hour. This is 7.5% below the national average, making Illinois a relatively lower-paying state for this profession.
What is the salary range for actuaries in Illinois?
- Actuaries in Illinois earn between $77,790 and $202,160 per year depending on experience and qualifications. This wide range reflects the variation in compensation based on factors like education, certifications, and years in the field.
How many actuaries work in Illinois?
- There are approximately 2,280 actuaries currently employed in Illinois, representing a significant professional community in the state.
Is the actuary salary in Illinois lower than the national average?
- Yes, Illinois actuaries earn 7.5% less than the national average, with a median salary of $115,430 compared to the higher national median. Job seekers considering Illinois should factor this difference into their career decisions.