Actuary Salary in Waukesha, WI: $137,951 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Waukesha, WI earns a median $137,951/year (≈ $66.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Waukesha's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $147,699 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.1% above the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukesha, Wisconsin, actuaries can expect a median annual salary of $137,951 in 2026, which marks an increase over prior years and reflects a favorable comparison to the national median salary of $134,160. The salary range for actuaries in this area runs from $81,141 at the 10th percentile to $213,823 at the 90th percentile, indicating a substantial earning potential based on experience and credential level. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data, have been adjusted to account for local economic conditions, resulting in a robust job market for actuaries that recognizes the value brought by their expertise and exam progressions. As the demand for these professionals continues to rise, Waukesha presents an attractive opportunity for actuaries looking to advance their careers.
About the Waukesha Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,141 | $39.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,946 | $48.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,951 | $66.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $176,576 | $84.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $213,823 | $102.80 |
Median Salary Position
2.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukesha
In Waukesha, WI, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $132,682 (2026 est.). At $137,951, the local median is 2.83% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waukesha: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waukesha Actuary Pay Compares
Waukesha median: $137,951/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukesha Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $125,296 | +10.10% more |
| National Average | $134,160 | +2.83% more |
Actuarys in Waukesha, WI earn a median of $137,951 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.83% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 10.10% above the Wisconsin state average of $125,296.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukesha has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waukesha, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $137,951 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,699 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$111,411
2025 BLS Actual
$133,673
2026 Current Est.
$137,951
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Waukesha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,411 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,167 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,892 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,211 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,390 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,673 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,951 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,365 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukesha metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $111,411 (2019) to $133,673 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,365 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,954 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukesha 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) | $81,141 – $100,946 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,946 – $137,951 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,951 – $176,576 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $176,576 – $213,823 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Waukesha
In examining the local job market, it's noteworthy that only 14 actuaries are currently employed in Waukesha, suggesting a niche yet potentially lucrative field. The cost-of-living index in the area stands at 93.4, which is below the national average, enhancing take-home purchasing power for actuaries. Employers in the region, particularly those in life insurance (like Prudential and MetLife) and health insurance (notably UnitedHealth and Cigna), have a reputation for offering competitive salaries. The variations in pay can be attributed to several factors, including the number of exams passed. Each completed exam typically leads to an increase of $3,000 to $8,000 in base salary. Those pursuing higher credentials, such as FSA or FCAS, diversifying their skills into predictive analytics, or gaining experience in specialized sectors like reinsurance or consulting can maximize their earning potential. Understanding these dynamics is key to navigating the actuary pay landscape in Waukesha, WI.
More salary data for Waukesha, WI:
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 $133,673 for actuariesin the Waukesha 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 Waukesha 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