Senior Actuary Salary in Fayetteville, AR: $157,534 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Fayetteville, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $157,534/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Fayetteville's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $181,282 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
Achieving a top actuary salary in Fayetteville, AR, can be an enticing prospect for seasoned professionals in the field. With a salary range that extends up to $157,534 for the highest earners, the potential for financial growth is significant in this growing market. Experienced actuaries can expect a median annual salary of $101,634, highlighting the remarkable salary gap that exists between mid-level and top-tier talent. To reach these top-tier earnings, actuaries must not only have extensive experience, typically over seven years, but also exhibit expertise in high-demand areas, such as predictive analytics or capital modeling. Strategic career moves within reputable employer types, including consulting firms and large insurance companies, play a crucial role in advancing towards the pinnacle of compensation in this market.
About the Fayetteville Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fayetteville
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Fayetteville earn between $130,092 and $157,534 per year (2026 est.). This $97,011 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Fayetteville median of $101,634 sits 24.24% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Fayetteville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $101,634 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,092 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $157,534 | $221,983 |
In Fayetteville, 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 Fayetteville
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $101,634 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Fayetteville employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Fayetteville command premium compensation, often reaching the $130,092–$157,534 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Fayetteville metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFayetteville ranks #4 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $157,534).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Fayetteville ($157,534) is 0.82% above the Arkansas average P90 ($156,249).
2019 BLS Actual
$137,391
2025 BLS Actual
$152,649
2026 Current Est.
$157,534
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Fayetteville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $137,391 | Actual |
| 2020 | $139,101 | Actual |
| 2021 | $146,773 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,436 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,540 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,348 | Actual |
| 2025 | $152,649 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,534 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,575 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Fayetteville saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $137,391 in 2019 to $152,649 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 $162,575 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville
In Fayetteville, specialized knowledge plays a pivotal role in determining senior actuary pay, as different sectors offer varying compensation levels. Actuaries specializing in life and annuity, enterprise risk management (ERM), or health insurance can command higher wages given the unique skills required in those domains. Employers, including industry giants like Prudential or UnitedHealth, often provide premium salaries to seasoned professionals compared to those in lesser-known firms. Furthermore, demonstrating leadership potential can significantly influence compensation; the path from an actuarial analyst to a chief actuary typically necessitates passing multiple SOA or CAS exams, alongside obtaining advanced credentials like an FSA or FCAS. This rigorous exam progression—where each passed exam can increase base pay by $3,000 to $8,000—coupled with relevant experience and specialties, positions an actuary favorably in this market. Non-salary compensation factors, such as signing bonuses for exam completion and benefits for study time, also serve as important drivers in overall compensation packages, making it essential for actuaries in Fayetteville to understand these dynamics for optimal career advancement.
More salary data for Fayetteville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Fayetteville in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Fayetteville?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Fayetteville?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Fayetteville?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Fayetteville?
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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 $152,649 for actuaries in the Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville 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