Senior Actuary Salary in Rochester, NY: $219,125 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Rochester, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $219,125/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Rochester's price premium (BEA RPP 97.0, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $225,821 in average-cost America. The 63% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, experienced actuaries in Rochester, NY can expect a median annual salary of $134,387, with the potential to reach the higher end of the spectrum, earning up to $219,125 for top-tier professionals. This stark contrast between the median and the upper echelons illustrates the significant experience premium available in the local job market. While the salary range spans from $81,249 to $219,125, achieving the highest compensation requires more than just years in the field; it involves specialized expertise and successful completion of various professional exams. Those in Rochester who ascend to higher levels of the actuarial profession not only develop their technical skills but also cultivate a robust understanding of complex financial systems, setting themselves apart in an increasingly competitive landscape.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Rochester earn between $168,412 and $219,125 per year (2026 est.). This $137,876 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rochester median of $134,387 sits 0.17% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Rochester | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $134,387 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,412 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $219,125 | $221,983 |
In Rochester, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 63.06% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Rochester
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $134,387 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rochester employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Rochester command premium compensation, often reaching the $168,412–$219,125 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rochester metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Rochester 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 New York 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 Rochester
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRochester ranks #36 of 38 New York cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $219,125).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Rochester ($219,125) is 19.96% below the New York average P90 ($273,757).
2019 BLS Actual
$191,107
2025 BLS Actual
$212,330
2026 Current Est.
$219,125
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $191,107 | Actual |
| 2020 | $193,486 | Actual |
| 2021 | $204,157 | Actual |
| 2022 | $196,733 | Actual |
| 2023 | $222,170 | Actual |
| 2024 | $203,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $212,330 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $219,125 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $226,137 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Rochester saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $191,107 in 2019 to $212,330 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 $226,137 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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 Rochester
The intricacies of senior actuary pay in NY depend heavily on specialization. Notably, areas like health, life insurance, and property and casualty stand out as fields where actuaries can command higher salaries due to ongoing demand for expertise. Employers vary significantly in compensation structures; for example, consulting firms such as Mercer and Aon tend to offer lucrative packages for those holding advanced credentials like FSA or FCAS. The career progression from ASA to FSA can result in substantial salary increases, each exam passed often correlating with an additional $3,000 to $8,000 in base pay. Additionally, advanced skills in predictive analytics and capital modeling further enhance earning potential. With a growth rate of 3.20% anticipated annually, the senior actuarial profession remains a promising avenue for individuals committed to excellence and advancement in Rochester’s thriving market.
More salary data for Rochester, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Rochester in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Rochester?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Rochester?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Rochester?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Rochester?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New York
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 $212,330 for actuaries in the Rochester 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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