Actuary Salary in Oak Ridge, TN: $120,836 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Oak Ridge, TN earns a median $120,836/year (≈ $58.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Oak Ridge's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $131,630 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median annual salary of $120,836 in 2026, actuary pay in Oak Ridge, TN, reflects a compelling opportunity for professionals in the field. The range extends from $72,539 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $187,296 at the 90th percentile, illustrating significant income potential as actuaries advance in their careers. These figures are derived from analytical projections based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local price variations, emphasizing a competitive landscape despite the slightly lower compensation compared to the national median of $134,160. As the number of actuaries in Oak Ridge remains relatively slim, with only six currently employed in the area, this indicates a niche market where specialized skills are both sought after and rewarded.
About the Oak Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,539 | $34.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,614 | $43.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $120,836 | $58.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,670 | $74.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,296 | $90.04 |
Median Salary Position
9.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Ridge
In Oak Ridge, TN, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,757 (2026 est.). At $120,836, the local median is 9.93% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oak Ridge Actuary Pay Compares
Oak Ridge median: $120,836/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $123,176 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -9.93% less |
Actuarys in Oak Ridge, TN earn a median of $120,836 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.93% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $123,176.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Ridge has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oak Ridge, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $120,836 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $131,630 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,589
2025 BLS Actual
$117,089
2026 Current Est.
$120,836
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,589 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,003 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,383 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,669 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,082 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,578 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,089 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,836 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,703 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Ridge metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $97,589 (2019) to $117,089 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $124,703 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,114 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Ridge 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) | $72,539 – $89,614 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,614 – $120,836 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $120,836 – $154,670 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,670 – $187,296 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Oak Ridge
The local job market shows strength, particularly when considering the lower cost of living in Oak Ridge, which boasts a cost-of-living index of 91.8. This reduction in living expenses contributes positively to take-home purchasing power, making the region attractive for actuaries, especially those just starting out. Employers in Oak Ridge, including life insurers like Prudential and health systems such as UnitedHealth, typically pay well and may also offer attractive signing bonuses or study time benefits that enhance financial compensation. The notable salary variance for actuaries here can be attributed to multiple factors: exam progressions leading to pay increases, credential levels impacting earning potential, and market specialization—all of which influence remuneration pathways. For actuaries looking to optimize their earnings, targeting firms aligned with high demand areas such as property and casualty insurance, and continuously advancing toward full fellowship status can yield the best financial outcomes in this region.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, TN:
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 $117,089 for actuariesin the Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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