Actuary Salary in Grand Island, NE: $119,822 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Grand Island, NE earns a median $119,822/year (≈ $57.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Grand Island's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $130,953 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, actuaries in Grand Island, Nebraska, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $119,822, which reflects a notable difference compared to the national median of $134,160. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $74,957 at the 10th percentile to $185,725 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the potential for substantial earnings based on experience and credentialing. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted to account for regional cost variations, providing a local perspective on compensation. With exam progression being a key factor in career advancement, actuaries in this market may realize significant pay increases with each exam passed, underscoring the dynamic nature of this field.
About the Grand Island Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,957 | $36.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,417 | $42.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $119,822 | $57.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $153,373 | $73.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $185,725 | $89.29 |
Median Salary Position
10.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Grand Island
In Grand Island, NE, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $110,768 (2026 est.). At $119,822, the local median is 10.69% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Grand Island: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Grand Island Actuary Pay Compares
Grand Island median: $119,822/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Grand Island Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $122,769 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -10.69% less |
Actuarys in Grand Island, NE earn a median of $119,822 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.69% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $122,769.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Grand Island has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Grand Island, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $119,822 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $130,953 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,771
2025 BLS Actual
$116,107
2026 Current Est.
$119,822
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Grand Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,771 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,164 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,583 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,808 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,176 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,107 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,822 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $123,657 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Grand Island metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $96,771 (2019) to $116,107 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $123,657 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,886 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Island 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) | $74,957 – $88,417 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,417 – $119,822 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $119,822 – $153,373 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $153,373 – $185,725 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Grand Island
In Grand Island, the job market for actuaries remains relatively small, with only 14 professionals currently employed in the area. This limited number points to a tight-knit community where networking and local connections can impact career growth. The cost of living index in Grand Island is 91.5, indicating that the affordability of the region may enhance the take-home purchasing power for actuaries, despite the somewhat lower salaries compared to the national average. Employers such as life insurance companies and consulting firms often offer higher salaries, particularly for those who have achieved Fellow status. The wide disparity between lower and higher salaries can be attributed to factors such as credential level, specialty area, and employer type. Actuaries looking to maximize their pay in Grand Island should focus on passing exams promptly and consider opportunities with firms that value predictive analytics skills, as these are increasingly sought after in the evolving landscape of the profession.
More salary data for Grand Island, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can actuaries make $100K in Grand Island?
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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
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 $116,107 for actuariesin the Grand Island 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 Grand Island 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