Actuary.
Ann Arbor.
$126,000
median salary, 3% above the national average
$95,000 to $167,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Ann Arbor is 2% more expensive than the national average. For Actuarys, that shakes out to a median of $126,000, with the full range spanning $95,000 to $167,000. Exam progress is the single most predictive salary factor for actuaries. Know the range before you walk in.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $113,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$82,000
to $101,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$107,000
to $132,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$139,000
to $164,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$158,000
to $195,000
Salary trend
+4% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $36,000 to the total package.
Base
$126,000
Equity
$20,000
Bonus
$13,000
Signing
$3,000
Estimated total: $162,000
How Ann Arbor compares
Ann Arbor, MI
$126,000
Cost of living: 2% above average
National Average
$122,000
Ann Arbor is $4,000 above
Actuary salary by city
Salary by role in Ann Arbor
What you should know
The Actuary landscape in Ann Arbor is not what most salary sites will tell you. Ann Arbor is a top-tier research hub anchored by the University of Michigan. The city has a thriving startup ecosystem, strong automotive R&D presence, and growing AI and robotics sector. Toyota, Google, and numerous autonomous vehicle companies have offices here. Exam progress is the single most predictive salary factor for actuaries. Each passed SOA or CAS exam adds approximately $5,000 to $15,000 in base salary. Fully credentialed fellows earn 40 to 60% more than entry-level associates. Consulting actuaries typically earn more than insurance company actuaries at equivalent experience levels.
Entry-level actuarial analysts with zero to two exams earn $65,000 to $85,000. Associates (ASA) earn $90,000 to $120,000. Fellows (FSA/FCAS) reach $130,000 to $180,000. Chief actuaries and actuarial directors earn $175,000 to $280,000. Consulting principals can exceed $350,000. In Ann Arbor, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Exam bonuses of $2,000 to $5,000 per passed exam are standard, plus paid study time (typically 100 to 200 hours). Annual bonuses of 10 to 20% are common. Consulting firms offer higher variable pay. Many employers cover exam fees, study materials, and raise base salary with each credential milestone. And on the tax side: michigan has a flat 4.25% income tax. Ann Arbor has a city income tax of 1% for residents. The moderate combined rate is offset by the strong employer base and research ecosystem. When someone quotes you $126,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Leverage the autonomous vehicle and robotics corridor. Ann Arbor employers pay nationally competitive rates for AI, robotics, and automotive engineering talent. The range for Actuarys in Ann Arbor runs from $95,000 to $167,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A AI Trainer / RLHF Specialist in Ann Arbor earns $127,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in Ann Arbor is Distinguished Engineer at $330,000
Common questions.
Actuary salary in other cities
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