Senior Actuary Salary in Nashville, TN: $454,348 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Nashville, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $454,348/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Nashville's price premium (BEA RPP 96.3, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $471,619 in average-cost America. The 270% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Nashville, TN, the earning potential for experienced actuaries is notably high, with the top-tier compensation reaching $454,348 for the 90th percentile in 2026. This figure significantly contrasts with the median annual salary of $122,901, illustrating the substantial income gap that exists at senior levels. To attain such remuneration, actuaries must typically possess more than seven years of experience, along with advanced credentials like Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA). Achieving top-tier pay in this market often requires cultivating expertise in specialized areas such as predictive analytics, enterprise risk management, or reinsurance pricing, positioning these professionals competitively against their national counterparts, where the median salary is $134,160.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Nashville
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Nashville earn between $167,566 and $454,348 per year (2026 est.). This $373,450 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Nashville median of $122,901 sits 8.39% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Nashville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $122,901 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,566 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $454,348 | $221,983 |
In Nashville, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 269.69% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Nashville
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $122,901 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Nashville employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Nashville command premium compensation, often reaching the $167,566–$454,348 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Nashville metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Nashville 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 Tennessee 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 Nashville
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedNashville ranks #1 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $454,348).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Nashville ($454,348) is 87.93% above the Tennessee average P90 ($241,761).
2019 BLS Actual
$396,254
2025 BLS Actual
$440,260
2026 Current Est.
$454,348
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Nashville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $396,254 | Actual |
| 2020 | $188,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,170 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $173,220 | Actual |
| 2025 | $440,260 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $454,348 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $468,887 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Nashville saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $396,254 in 2019 to $440,260 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 $468,887 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nashville 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 Nashville
Nashville's actuaries can expect diverse salary structures depending on their employer and specialization. For instance, those in the life and annuity sector may earn considerably more than their peers in health or property and casualty insurance. Leading firms—like Prudential, UnitedHealth, and State Farm—often provide higher compensation packages, especially for those holding advanced designations. Career progression in this realm is typically marked by a pathway from actuarial analyst to ASA and then to FSA or FCAS, with an increased salary at each step. Notably, passing actuarial exams is a significant pay driver, often equating to an additional $3,000 to $8,000 for each credential achieved. Additionally, emphasis on advanced skills in data science and analytics can further enhance earning potential, as these areas are increasingly essential within the industry's evolving landscape.
More salary data for Nashville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Nashville in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Nashville?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Nashville?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Nashville?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Nashville?
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 $440,260 for actuaries in the Nashville 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