Actuary Salary in Smyrna, DE: $119,222 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Smyrna, DE earns a median $119,222/year (≈ $57.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Smyrna's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $117,229 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.4% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, actuaries based in Smyrna, Delaware can expect a median annual salary of $119,222, which represents a competitive mark in the local labor market. The estimated salary range for this profession spans from $79,261 at the 10th percentile to $184,794 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026 while factoring in regional price adjustments. Notably, those who advance to fellowship status (FSA or FCAS) may find more lucrative opportunities, particularly within consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer, which typically offer higher compensation compared to traditional insurers. This indicates that the path to career advancement through exam progression significantly impacts salaries in Smyrna.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,261 | $38.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $93,370 | $44.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $119,222 | $57.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $152,272 | $73.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $184,794 | $88.84 |
Median Salary Position
11.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Smyrna
In Smyrna, DE, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $105,533 (2026 est.). At $119,222, the local median is 11.13% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Smyrna: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Smyrna Actuary Pay Compares
Smyrna median: $119,222/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Smyrna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $128,749 | -7.40% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -11.13% less |
Actuarys in Smyrna, DE earn a median of $119,222 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.13% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 7.40% below the Delaware state average of $128,749.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Smyrna has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Smyrna, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $119,222 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $117,229 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,286
2025 BLS Actual
$115,525
2026 Current Est.
$119,222
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,286 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,667 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,108 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,298 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,638 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,483 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,525 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,222 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $123,037 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Smyrna metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $96,286 (2019) to $115,525 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $123,037 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,751 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Smyrna metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $79,261 – $93,370 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $93,370 – $119,222 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $119,222 – $152,272 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $152,272 – $184,794 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Smyrna
Currently, the job market in Smyrna is modest, with only five actuaries employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 101.7, slightly above the national average, suggesting that take-home purchasing power may require careful financial management. Among the insurance options available, firms like Prudential and MetLife may offer more competitive packages, especially for actuaries specializing in life insurance and managed care. The pay discrepancy found within the market reflects several influences, including exam completion, the credential level achieved, and the sector of specialization. To maximize potential earnings, actuaries in Smyrna should aim to pass relevant exams, pursue fellowship status, and seek positions within high-paying sectors such as property and casualty reinsurance or consulting.
More salary data for Smyrna, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in life insurance. She specializes in risk assessment and pricing strategies.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $115,525 for actuariesin the Smyrna metropolitan area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Smyrna is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for actuarys (SOC 15-2011).
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov