Actuary Salary.
Across 30 U.S. cities.
$122,000
national median salary
$92,000 to $162,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$172,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$127,000
Seattle, WA
Lowest Paying
$93,000
Jackson, MS
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Actuary salary in the United States is $122,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $92,000 at the 25th percentile to $162,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $172,000, while Seattle offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Exam progress is the single most predictive salary factor for actuaries.
Actuary salary by city
What you should know
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.
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.