Senior Actuary Salary in Burlington, VT: $172,385 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $172,385/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $166,556 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
In Burlington, Vermont, senior actuaries have the potential to earn substantial salaries, particularly at the top tier where compensation can reach up to $172,385 in 2026. This represents a significant premium over the median annual salary of $111,217, creating a sizeable gap that reflects the experience and expertise required to attain such positions. Achieving this upper echelon of pay typically involves a mix of advanced credentials, such as Fellow status (FSA or FCAS), along with specialization in high-demand areas like predictive analytics and enterprise risk management. In this market, seasoned actuaries who successfully navigate the complexities of actuarial science and effectively manage risk are well-compensated, aligning salary expectations more closely with national figures as they advance in their careers.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $142,357 and $172,385 per year (2026 est.). This $100,512 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $111,217 sits 17.1% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $111,217 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,357 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $172,385 | $221,983 |
In Burlington, 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 Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $111,217 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $142,357–$172,385 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Burlington 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 Vermont 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 Burlington
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #1 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $172,385).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Burlington ($172,385) is 1.93% above the Vermont average P90 ($169,124).
2019 BLS Actual
$150,344
2025 BLS Actual
$167,040
2026 Current Est.
$172,385
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $150,344 | Actual |
| 2020 | $152,215 | Actual |
| 2021 | $160,610 | Actual |
| 2022 | $154,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $162,544 | Actual |
| 2024 | $177,043 | Actual |
| 2025 | $167,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $172,385 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $177,902 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $150,344 in 2019 to $167,040 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 $177,902 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
Compensation strategies for Burlington's senior actuaries are influenced by specialization and employer type. Fields such as health insurance, life and annuity, and property & casualty often command premium salaries, particularly within established companies and consulting firms. Notably, employers like Prudential and UnitedHealth typically offer more competitive pay compared to traditional insurers. For actuaries aiming for leadership roles, the career advancement path—from actuarial analyst to managing actuary—comes with significant financial rewards as credentials progress from ASA to FSA. Advanced certifications can lead to pay increases of $3,000 to $8,000 per exam passed, making continual education and exam completion vital to maximizing senior actuary pay in VT. Non-salary benefits, including study time packages and signing bonuses, further enhance overall compensation, making this profession both rewarding and strategically flexible for experienced professionals in Burlington.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Burlington?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Burlington?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Burlington?
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 $167,040 for actuaries in the Burlington 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 Burlington 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