Actuary Salary in Columbus, NE: $114,629 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Columbus, NE earns a median $114,629/year (≈ $55.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $125,278 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Nebraska, actuaries can expect a median annual salary of $114,629 in 2026, a figure that reflects local economic conditions. The salary range is broad, starting from $77,737 at the 10th percentile to a maximum of $177,675 at the 90th percentile. These figures are projections based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price parities, providing a clearer picture of earners' potential earnings in the local job market. Understanding these numbers is essential for candidates aiming to assess their strategies for entering the actuarial profession in Columbus, as local compensation is notably below the national average of $134,160 for 2026.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,737 | $37.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,886 | $43.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $114,629 | $55.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $143,217 | $68.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $177,675 | $85.42 |
Median Salary Position
14.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, NE, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $99,938 (2026 est.). At $114,629, the local median is 14.56% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbus Actuary Pay Compares
Columbus median: $114,629/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $122,730 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -14.56% less |
Actuarys in Columbus, NE earn a median of $114,629 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.56% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 6.60% below the Nebraska state average of $122,730.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $114,629 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $125,278 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,577
2025 BLS Actual
$111,075
2026 Current Est.
$114,629
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,577 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,867 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,483 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,396 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,531 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,822 | Actual |
| 2025 | $111,075 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $114,629 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $118,298 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $92,577 (2019) to $111,075 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $118,298 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,721 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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) | $77,737 – $90,886 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,886 – $114,629 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $114,629 – $143,217 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $143,217 – $177,675 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Columbus
Evaluating the employment landscape, Columbus hosts four actuaries, indicating a relatively small market but a focused one that can support new entrants. The cost of living index of 91.5 suggests that salaries, while lower than the national metrics, can afford a comfortable lifestyle. Major employers in the area, including life and health insurance firms like Prudential and UnitedHealth, often pay more generously compared to others in property and casualty sectors. The variation in salaries arises primarily from exam progression; each passed exam generally equates to an increase of $3,000 to $8,000 in base pay. In this Columbus market, aspiring actuaries should prioritize obtaining their FSA designation through consistent study and consider opportunities that offer signing bonuses upon credential completion, which can significantly enhance their compensation package.
More salary data for Columbus, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do actuaries make in Columbus, NE in 2026?
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Can actuaries make $100K in Columbus?
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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 $111,075 for actuariesin the Columbus 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 Columbus 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