Senior Actuary Salary in Madison, WI: $223,459 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Madison, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $223,459/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Madison's price premium (BEA RPP 97.3, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $229,691 in average-cost America. The 60% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Senior actuaries in Madison, Wisconsin, can anticipate a median annual salary of $139,661 in 2026, with top earners reaching upwards of $223,459. This competitive compensation is notably above the projected national median of $134,160, reflecting a 4.10% regional premium that exemplifies how experience distinctly influences salary potential in this market. The gap between the median and the upper echelons of pay underscores the rewards of advancing one's career through strategic moves such as securing professional designations and gaining specialized expertise. Top-tier pay is attainable for those who engage in continuous learning and focus on mastering advanced actuarial skills and tools that are increasingly in demand.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Madison
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Madison earn between $177,669 and $223,459 per year (2026 est.). This $139,723 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Madison median of $139,661 sits 4.1% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Madison | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $139,661 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,669 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $223,459 | $221,983 |
In Madison, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 60.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Madison
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $139,661 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Madison employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Madison command premium compensation, often reaching the $177,669–$223,459 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Madison metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Madison 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 Wisconsin 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 Madison
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMadison ranks #1 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $223,459).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Madison ($223,459) is 10.18% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($202,806).
2019 BLS Actual
$157,190
2025 BLS Actual
$216,530
2026 Current Est.
$223,459
2019–2027 Growth
+46.7%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $157,190 | Actual |
| 2020 | $161,680 | Actual |
| 2021 | $168,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $168,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $170,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $175,860 | Actual |
| 2025 | $216,530 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $223,459 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $230,610 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Madison saw their compensation grow 37.8% from $157,190 in 2019 to $216,530 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 $230,610 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madison 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 Madison
Delving into compensation specifics, certain specializations command notably higher salaries in Madison. Areas such as life and annuity, health, and property and casualty (P&C) demonstrate premium pay for senior actuaries. Employers in diverse sectors, including life insurance companies like Prudential and Northwestern Mutual, and consulting firms such as Aon and Mercer, offer varied compensation packages that hinge on the actuary's specific skills and credentials. To advance in the profession, actuaries often begin their journey as actuarial analysts and progress through stages of certification, from ASA to FSA or FCAS. Advanced credentials greatly enhance earning potential, especially those with fellow status, which can yield benefits such as signing bonuses and additional pay for each passed exam. Additionally, the demand for skills in predictive analytics and enterprise risk management reflects a growing need for actuaries who can interpret data and guide strategic decisions, further solidifying their roles in both consulting and insurance environments across WI.
More salary data for Madison, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Madison in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Madison?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Madison?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Madison?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Madison?
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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 $216,530 for actuaries in the Madison 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