Actuary Salary in Potomac, MD: $142,210 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Potomac, MD earns a median $142,210/year (≈ $68.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Potomac's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $130,110 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Potomac, Maryland, actuaries can anticipate a median annual salary of $142,210 in 2026, representing a 6.00% increase over the national median of $134,160. This city showcases a broad salary range, with the lower end at $83,081 and the upper tier reaching $220,425. The compensation for actuaries in Potomac reflects local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost metrics. Additionally, the consulting firms in the area, such as Milliman and Mercer, generally offer higher pay rates compared to insurance companies, revealing a distinct pay gradient as actuaries progress toward Fellowship status. Understanding these dynamics is essential for professionals aiming to optimize their earning potential in the local job market.
About the Potomac Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,081 | $39.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,105 | $53.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $142,210 | $68.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $182,028 | $87.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $220,425 | $105.98 |
Median Salary Position
6.00% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Potomac
In Potomac, MD, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $137,344 (2026 est.). At $142,210, the local median is 6% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Potomac: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Potomac Actuary Pay Compares
Potomac median: $142,210/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Potomac Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $146,608 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | +6.00% more |
Actuarys in Potomac, MD earn a median of $142,210 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.00% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 3.00% below the Maryland state average of $146,608.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Potomac has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Potomac, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $142,210 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $130,110 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,851
2025 BLS Actual
$137,800
2026 Current Est.
$142,210
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Potomac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,851 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,692 | Actual |
| 2021 | $112,254 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,829 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,210 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,760 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Potomac metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $114,851 (2019) to $137,800 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,760 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,909 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Potomac 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) | $83,081 – $112,105 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,105 – $142,210 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $142,210 – $182,028 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $182,028 – $220,425 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Potomac
The job market for actuaries in Potomac remains competitive, albeit with only 11 actuaries currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 109.3, indicating that daily expenses exceed the national average, which may affect take-home pay. Among local employers, consulting firms like Aon and WTW are known to offer more lucrative packages, especially for those with advanced credentials like FSA or FCAS. Exam progression is essential in determining salary, as each passed exam often corresponds to a salary increase. Strategies for maximizing pay include specialized skills in predictive analytics and pursuing positions with employers that provide study packages and signing bonuses for credential achievement. Taking the time to understand the local market dynamics in Potomac, MD, can significantly impact long-term financial success in the actuarial profession.
More salary data for Potomac, MD:
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 $137,800 for actuariesin the Potomac 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 Potomac 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