Senior Actuary Salary in Paragould, AR: $152,823 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Paragould, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $152,823/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Paragould's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $175,861 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
In Paragould, Arkansas, seasoned actuaries stand to earn impressive salaries, with potential compensation reaching up to $152,823 at the 90th percentile in 2026. This figure highlights a substantial disparity from the median salary of $98,595, shedding light on the financial rewards of extensive experience and specialization. To tap into these top-tier earnings, actuaries must hone their skills and possibly explore advanced specialties that are in demand in the current market. Achieving such a position typically entails substantial advancements, including earning relevant credentials that distinguish the most capable professionals, particularly in a city where actuaries are fewer in number, allowing for highly competitive compensation structures.
About the Paragould Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paragould
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Paragould earn between $126,202 and $152,823 per year (2026 est.). This $93,934 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Paragould median of $98,595 sits 26.51% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Paragould | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $98,595 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,202 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $152,823 | $221,983 |
In Paragould, 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 Paragould
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $98,595 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Paragould employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Paragould command premium compensation, often reaching the $126,202–$152,823 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Paragould metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Paragould 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 Paragould
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedParagould ranks #11 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $152,823).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Paragould ($152,823) is 2.19% below the Arkansas average P90 ($156,249).
2019 BLS Actual
$133,282
2025 BLS Actual
$148,084
2026 Current Est.
$152,823
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Paragould (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,282 | Actual |
| 2020 | $134,942 | Actual |
| 2021 | $142,384 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,207 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,098 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,211 | Actual |
| 2025 | $148,084 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $152,823 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $157,713 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Paragould saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $133,282 in 2019 to $148,084 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 $157,713 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paragould 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 Paragould
Compensation for senior actuaries in Paragould varies widely based on specialization and employer type. For instance, roles in life and annuity or predictive analytics may command higher salaries than average, reflecting industry needs and competitive skill sets. Large insurance firms and consulting agencies often provide a wider pay range, with health insurance companies and property & casualty insurers like UnitedHealth and State Farm offering contrasting compensation packages. Furthermore, actuaries aiming for leadership roles often pursue structured growth paths, moving from actuarial analyst to positions such as managing actuary or chief actuary. With a focused timeline that entails progressing from ASA to FSA, actuaries can significantly boost their salaries with each additional credential, making dedicated exam preparation a strategic priority for those looking to enhance their earning potential in the evolving landscape of senior actuary pay in AR.
More salary data for Paragould, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Paragould in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Paragould?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Paragould?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Paragould?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Paragould?
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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 $148,084 for actuaries in the Paragould 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 Paragould 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