Senior Actuary Salary in Raleigh, NC: $200,033 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Raleigh, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $200,033/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Raleigh's price premium (BEA RPP 98.2, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $203,789 in average-cost America. The 36% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Reaching the top echelons of actuary compensation in Raleigh requires a blend of advanced credentials and market specialization. With a median annual salary of $146,730, experienced actuaries in this region have a robust salary range, where the top earners (P90) can reach $200,033. This premium pay reflects not only an experience gap but also highlights the skills and certifications necessary to ascend in this competitive field. To tap into this potential, actuaries must gain valuable expertise and attain professional designations such as FSA or FCAS, leveraging experience in high-demand areas like predictive analytics or enterprise risk management that attract employer interest.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Raleigh
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Raleigh earn between $168,195 and $200,033 per year (2026 est.). This $125,296 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Raleigh median of $146,730 sits 9.37% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Raleigh | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $146,730 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,195 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $200,033 | $221,983 |
In Raleigh, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 36.33% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Raleigh
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $146,730 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Raleigh employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Raleigh command premium compensation, often reaching the $168,195–$200,033 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Raleigh metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Raleigh 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 North Carolina 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 Raleigh
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRaleigh ranks #8 of 43 North Carolina cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $200,033).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Raleigh ($200,033) is 1.9% below the North Carolina average P90 ($203,911).
2019 BLS Actual
$172,990
2025 BLS Actual
$193,830
2026 Current Est.
$200,033
2019–2027 Growth
+19.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $172,990 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,580 | Actual |
| 2021 | $186,369 | Actual |
| 2022 | $236,980 | Actual |
| 2023 | $228,250 | Actual |
| 2024 | $173,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $193,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $200,033 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $206,434 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Raleigh saw their compensation grow 12.0% from $172,990 in 2019 to $193,830 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 $206,434 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Raleigh 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 Raleigh
In Raleigh, the specialization of senior actuaries significantly influences earning potential. The highest pay typically comes from sectors like life and annuity, health, and property & casualty insurance. Large corporations, including Prudential and UnitedHealth, offer distinct pay scales, often favoring FSAs and domain experts. The career trajectory is clear; actuaries advance from roles such as actuarial analyst to senior actuary, often progressing to chief actuary or consulting principal. Furthermore, actuaries who successfully navigate the ASA-to-FSA exam progression can see marked increases in salary, as advanced credentials bolster their market value. Non-salary compensation factors, such as bonuses tied to exam success and study time benefits, further enhance the financial rewards accessible to senior actuaries in Raleigh, NC.
More salary data for Raleigh, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Raleigh in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Raleigh?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Raleigh?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Raleigh?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Raleigh?
Related Pages
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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 $193,830 for actuaries in the Raleigh 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, 6-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