Senior Actuary Salary in Salt Lake City, UT: $176,751 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Salt Lake City, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $176,751/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Salt Lake City's price premium (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $175,230 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, an experienced actuary salary in Salt Lake City is projected to reach a median of $136,967, with the potential for top earners to surpass $176,751. This represents a notable advantage for senior professionals in the city, as the highest tier compensation significantly outpaces the national figure, where the top actuary salary is $134,160. The experience premium is apparent — while the median reflects solid earnings, the gap to the peak level highlights the rewards for those who navigate their careers strategically. Achieving such top-tier pay often requires continued professional development, including advanced credentials like the Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) designation, along with successful completion of challenging actuarial exams.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salt Lake City
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Salt Lake City earn between $136,967 and $176,751 per year (2026 est.). This $90,022 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Salt Lake City median of $136,967 sits 2.09% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Salt Lake City | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $136,967 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,967 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $176,751 | $221,983 |
In Salt Lake City, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 29.05% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Salt Lake City
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $136,967 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Salt Lake City employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Salt Lake City command premium compensation, often reaching the $136,967–$176,751 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Salt Lake City metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Salt Lake City 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 Utah 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 Salt Lake City
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSalt Lake City ranks #41 of 41 Utah cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $176,751).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Salt Lake City ($176,751) is 8.98% below the Utah average P90 ($194,188).
2019 BLS Actual
$145,700
2025 BLS Actual
$171,270
2026 Current Est.
$176,751
2019–2027 Growth
+25.2%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Salt Lake City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $145,700 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,690 | Actual |
| 2021 | $162,770 | Actual |
| 2022 | $173,390 | Actual |
| 2023 | $200,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $188,710 | Actual |
| 2025 | $171,270 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $176,751 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $182,407 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Salt Lake City saw their compensation grow 17.5% from $145,700 in 2019 to $171,270 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 $182,407 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City
The landscape of compensation for senior actuaries in Salt Lake City varies significantly by specialization and employer type. Areas such as predictive analytics, capital modeling, and enterprise risk management are increasingly in demand, and actuaries focusing on life and health insurance or property & casualty tend to attract higher compensation. Employers range from large life insurers like Prudential and MetLife to consulting powerhouses such as Aon and Mercer, each providing varying pay scales reflective of their market positioning. Advancement paths frequently involve moving from actuarial analyst to managing actuary or chief actuary, with rigorous exam progression through ASA to FSA necessitating substantial dedication. As such, enhanced pay packages often correlate with advanced certifications and specialized skill sets, positioning candidates favorably within a competitive job market in UT. Non-salary benefits, including study time and bonuses tied to exam completion, also serve as incentives for senior actuaries striving for higher earning potential.
More salary data for Salt Lake City, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Salt Lake City in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Salt Lake City?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Salt Lake City?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Salt Lake City?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Salt Lake City?
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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 $171,270 for actuaries in the Salt Lake City 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, 7-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