Actuary Salary in Kearney, NE: $118,211 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Kearney, NE earns a median $118,211/year (≈ $56.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Kearney's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $129,192 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearney, NE, the projected median annual salary for actuaries is $118,211 in 2026, reflecting a competitive yet localized pay scale that stands approximately 11.89% below the national median of $134,160. The salary range illustrates the diversity within the profession, with earnings spanning from $77,064 at the 10th percentile to $183,227 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variances. With a total of nine actuaries employed in the area, Kearney presents a niche market that reflects the broader trends seen in the industry, driven largely by specific actuation qualifications and exam completions.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,064 | $37.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,173 | $44.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $118,211 | $56.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $151,311 | $72.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $183,227 | $88.09 |
Median Salary Position
11.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearney
In Kearney, NE, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $106,163 (2026 est.). At $118,211, the local median is 11.89% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kearney: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kearney Actuary Pay Compares
Kearney median: $118,211/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kearney Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $122,753 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -11.89% less |
Actuarys in Kearney, NE earn a median of $118,211 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $122,753.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kearney 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.
Kearney, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $118,211 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $129,192 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$95,470
2025 BLS Actual
$114,546
2026 Current Est.
$118,211
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,831 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,311 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,439 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,735 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,973 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,546 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,211 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,994 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kearney metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $95,470 (2019) to $114,546 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,994 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,524 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearney 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) | $77,064 – $92,173 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,173 – $118,211 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $118,211 – $151,311 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $151,311 – $183,227 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Kearney
The job market for actuaries in Kearney exhibits a modest yet stable environment, influenced by a low cost of living index of 91.5, which enhances the purchasing power of local professionals. Those who are part of the actuarial community should consider targeting employers such as Prudential and State Farm, which are known for offering some of the highest compensation packages within the city. The pay range is further affected by various factors, including exam progressions, with each passed exam translating into an approximate increase of $3,000 to $8,000 in salary. Furthermore, actuaries aiming to maximize their pay may find value in pursuing additional credentials, especially given the pronounced difference in salary potential between junior and senior roles. For those in the Kearney market, prioritizing exam success and gaining experience in high-demand specialties, such as property and casualty consulting, can sharply enhance their actuarial pay Kearney NE over time.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
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 $114,546 for actuariesin the Kearney 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 Kearney 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