Actuary Salary in Honolulu, HI: $124,966 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Honolulu, HI earns a median $124,966/year (≈ $60.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Honolulu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $104,749 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% above the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, actuaries in Honolulu, Hawaii, can anticipate a median annual salary of $124,966, which reflects a pay structure generally favorable yet slightly lower than the national median of $134,160. The salary range for this role spans from $72,480 at the 10th percentile to $193,697 at the 90th percentile, indicating the potential for significant earnings depending on experience and job type. These figures are derived from projected estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost factors. The competitive environment for actuaries in Honolulu allows those who pursue their exams and achieve further credentials to increase their earning potential, contributing to a dynamic job market.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,480 | $34.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,976 | $43.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,966 | $60.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159,956 | $76.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,697 | $93.13 |
Median Salary Position
6.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Honolulu
In Honolulu, HI, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $121,217 (2026 est.). At $124,966, the local median is 6.85% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Honolulu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Honolulu Actuary Pay Compares
Honolulu median: $124,966/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Honolulu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $117,449 | +6.40% more |
| National Average | $134,160 | -6.85% less |
Actuarys in Honolulu, HI earn a median of $124,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.85% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $117,449.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Honolulu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Honolulu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $124,966 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $104,749 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,925
2025 BLS Actual
$121,091
2026 Current Est.
$124,966
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,925 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,421 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,643 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,178 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,776 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,793 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,091 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,966 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,965 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Honolulu metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $100,925 (2019) to $121,091 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,965 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,040 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Honolulu 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $72,480 – $89,976 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,976 – $124,966 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,966 – $159,956 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $159,956 – $193,697 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Honolulu
The local job market for actuaries is relatively strong, with 68 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living in Honolulu is above average, marked by a cost of living index of 119.3. This elevates the stakes regarding take-home pay and purchasing power. Among local employers, life insurance providers such as Prudential and Northwestern Mutual tend to offer some of the highest salaries, while firms focusing on healthcare and managed care, like UnitedHealth and Cigna, also provide competitive compensation. The differences in pay largely reflect the exam progression—each passed exam can result in an increase of $3,000 to $8,000 in base salary—and the level of credentials held, such as ASA versus FSA. For individuals seeking to maximize their actuary pay in Honolulu, targeting growth sectors like property and casualty reinsurance or consulting and acquiring data science skills could be advantageous strategies.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $121,091 for actuariesin the Honolulu metropolitan area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Honolulu 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