Senior Actuary Salary in Benton, AR: $153,259 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Benton, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $153,259/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Benton's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $176,362 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior actuaries in Benton, Arkansas, have the potential to leverage their extensive experience to earn impressive salaries, with the top percentile (P90) projected to reach $153,259 in 2026. This figure highlights a significant gap between the median annual salary of $98,877 and top earners, reflecting the premium associated with advanced skills and responsibilities. Achieving such high compensation typically requires specialized knowledge in areas such as predictive analytics and risk management, as well as notable achievements in professional credentialing. In Benton, those who capitalize on opportunities for leadership roles or consulting positions are more likely to reach this top-tier pay, indicating that strategic career moves can substantially enhance earning potential in this market.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Benton earn between $126,562 and $153,259 per year (2026 est.). This $94,150 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Benton median of $98,877 sits 26.3% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Benton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $98,877 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,562 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $153,259 | $221,983 |
In Benton, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Benton
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $98,877 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Benton employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Benton command premium compensation, often reaching the $126,562–$153,259 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Benton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Benton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Actuaries in Arkansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Actuary Career & Wage Growth Path in Benton
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBenton ranks #9 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $153,259).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Benton ($153,259) is 1.91% below the Arkansas average P90 ($156,249).
2019 BLS Actual
$133,663
2025 BLS Actual
$148,507
2026 Current Est.
$153,259
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,663 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,327 | Actual |
| 2021 | $142,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,599 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,510 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,594 | Actual |
| 2025 | $148,507 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $153,259 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $158,164 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Benton saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $133,663 in 2019 to $148,507 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.20% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $158,164 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton 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.
Maximizing Your Actuary Earnings in Benton
Compensation packages for senior actuaries in Benton are influenced by both specialization and employer type. Actuaries focusing on life insurance, health, property & casualty (P&C), and pension consulting often command higher salaries, particularly if they have credentials like ASA and FSA. Companies such as Prudential, UnitedHealth, and State Farm tend to offer competitive pay, particularly to those with advanced skills in capital modeling and enterprise risk management. Furthermore, aspiring senior practitioners are encouraged to pursue the ASA-to-FSA progression, as passing exams not only boosts expertise but also translates into tangible pay increases. Actuaries progressing toward leadership roles, like chief actuary or consulting practice principal, should keep in mind that non-salary compensation, including bonuses for exam completions and study time benefits, can significantly augment their overall earnings, making the senior actuary pay in AR a dynamic and rewarding field.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Benton in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Benton?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Benton?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Benton?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Benton?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $148,507 for actuaries in the Benton metro area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton 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