Actuary Salary in Sterling Heights, MI: $127,656 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Sterling Heights, MI earns a median $127,656/year (≈ $61.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Sterling Heights's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $136,970 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $127,656 in 2026, the remuneration for actuaries in Sterling Heights, Michigan, shows a competitive position within the state. Salaries vary widely, from $74,041 at the 10th percentile to a hefty $197,867 at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy market for both entry-level and experienced professionals. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost considerations, reflect a local actuarial landscape that combines the benefits of the life, health, and pension specialty market through the Society of Actuaries (SOA) versus property and casualty options through the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). For those entering the field or advancing their careers, the opportunities in Sterling Heights make it an appealing locale for actuaries seeking to maximize their pay.
About the Sterling Heights Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,041 | $35.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,226 | $44.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,656 | $61.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $163,400 | $78.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $197,867 | $95.13 |
Median Salary Position
4.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sterling Heights
In Sterling Heights, MI, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,826 (2026 est.). At $127,656, the local median is 4.85% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sterling Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sterling Heights Actuary Pay Compares
Sterling Heights median: $127,656/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sterling Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $125,031 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $134,160 | -4.85% less |
Actuarys in Sterling Heights, MI earn a median of $127,656 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.85% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 2.10% above the Michigan state average of $125,031.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sterling Heights has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sterling Heights, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $127,656 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,970 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$103,098
2025 BLS Actual
$123,698
2026 Current Est.
$127,656
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Sterling Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,098 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,648 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,766 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,464 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,183 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,183 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,698 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,656 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,741 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sterling Heights metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $103,098 (2019) to $123,698 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,741 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,643 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sterling Heights 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) | $74,041 – $92,226 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,226 – $127,656 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,656 – $163,400 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $163,400 – $197,867 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Sterling Heights
Employment prospects remain favorable in Sterling Heights, with 29 actuaries currently in the workforce. The cost of living index in the area sits at 93.2, slightly below the national average, which translates to a better take-home purchasing power for local professionals compared to many other U.S. cities. Notable employers, including top life insurance firms like Prudential and MetLife, as well as health insurance giants UnitedHealth and Cigna, are present in the region and typically provide higher compensation packages. Actuaries looking to enhance their earnings should focus on achieving additional credentials, such as moving from Associate to Fellow status with the SOA or CAS, as this progression can substantially influence salary levels. Additionally, mastering predictive analytics and securing VEE credits can serve as vital advantages in this competitive market, helping actuaries to capitalize on growth opportunities within Sterling Heights.
More salary data for Sterling Heights, MI:
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 $123,698 for actuariesin the Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights 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