Senior Actuary Salary in Bloomington, IL: $195,876 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Bloomington, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $195,876/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Bloomington's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $201,726 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

Bloomington's senior actuaries can anticipate a median annual salary of $126,371 by 2026, but the potential to earn significantly more exists, particularly for those at the top of the pay scale, with a projected P90 salary of $195,876. This range highlights the considerable experience premium available in the market, emphasizing the gap between the median and highest earners. Achieving such top-tier pay necessitates a combination of advanced credentials and specialization in high-demand areas like predictive analytics or enterprise risk management. Professionals who strategize their career paths effectively, perhaps transitioning from positions such as actuarial analyst to managing actuary, can better navigate toward these lucrative opportunities.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bloomington
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Bloomington earn between $161,756 and $195,876 per year (2026 est.). This $118,181 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bloomington median of $126,371 sits 5.81% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Bloomington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $126,371 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,756 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $195,876 | $221,983 |
In Bloomington, 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 Bloomington
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $126,371 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bloomington employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Bloomington command premium compensation, often reaching the $161,756–$195,876 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bloomington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Bloomington 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 Illinois 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 Bloomington
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBloomington ranks #38 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $195,876).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Bloomington ($195,876) is 6.5% below the Illinois average P90 ($209,500).
2019 BLS Actual
$170,831
2025 BLS Actual
$189,802
2026 Current Est.
$195,876
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $170,831 | Actual |
| 2020 | $172,957 | Actual |
| 2021 | $182,496 | Actual |
| 2022 | $159,210 | Actual |
| 2023 | $167,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $189,802 | Actual |
| 2025 | $189,802 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $195,876 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $202,144 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Bloomington saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $170,831 in 2019 to $189,802 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 $202,144 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington 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 Bloomington
Specialization is key to maximizing senior actuary pay in Bloomington, particularly in sectors such as life and annuity, property and casualty, and enterprise risk management. Each discipline commands different compensation levels, with consulting firms typically offering higher salaries compared to insurers. Firms like Prudential and State Farm pay well, but advanced credentials such as ASA or FSA significantly influence compensation. Pursuing the ASA-to-FSA progression can elevate a candidate’s standing, as passing exams can translate to $3,000-$8,000 increases in base salary. Additionally, the offerings of non-salary compensation—like study time benefits and signing bonuses for exam completions—further enhance the rewards for senior actuaries in IL. Overall, making informed choices about specializations and career paths is crucial for those aiming to secure the top actuary salary in Bloomington.
More salary data for Bloomington, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Bloomington in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Bloomington?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Bloomington?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Bloomington?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Bloomington?
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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 $189,802 for actuaries in the Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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