Actuary Salary in Salt Lake City, UT: $136,967 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Salt Lake City, UT earns a median $136,967/year (≈ $65.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Salt Lake City's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.9), that paycheck buys what $135,788 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% above the Utah state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, actuaries in Salt Lake City are projected to earn a median annual salary of $136,967, which is slightly above the national median of $134,160, reflecting a growth trend that has seen a steady increase in local demand for actuarial services. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $86,729 at the 10th percentile to $176,751 at the 90th percentile, indicating a substantial earning potential based on experience, credentialing level, and specialization. Salary data derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys reveals that Salt Lake City is an emerging hub where actuaries, particularly those affiliated with consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer, often command higher compensation than those employed by insurers. This trend suggests a robust job market for actuaries willing to progress through their exams and pursue higher credentials.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,729 | $41.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,677 | $55.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,967 | $65.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $136,967 | $65.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $176,751 | $84.97 |
Median Salary Position
2.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salt Lake City
In Salt Lake City, UT, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $90,022 (2026 est.). At $136,967, the local median is 2.09% above the national median of $134,160.
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At 40 hours/week in Salt Lake City: You'd be above the median
How Salt Lake City Actuary Pay Compares
Salt Lake City median: $136,967/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salt Lake City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $131,573 | +4.10% more |
| National Average | $134,160 | +2.09% more |
Actuarys in Salt Lake City, UT earn a median of $136,967 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.09% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 4.10% above the Utah state average of $131,573.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salt Lake City has a cost of living 0.87% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salt Lake City, UT has a cost-of-living index of 100.868 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $136,967 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $135,788 — a 0.86% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,400
2025 BLS Actual
$132,720
2026 Current Est.
$136,967
2019–2027 Growth
+90.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Salt Lake City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,400 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,610 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,030 | Actual |
| 2023 | $103,440 | Actual |
| 2024 | $140,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,720 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,967 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,350 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 78.4% from $74,400 (2019) to $132,720 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,350 by 2027 — a total increase of $66,950 (89.99%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salt Lake City 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) | $86,729 – $115,677 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,677 – $136,967 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,967 – $136,967 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $136,967 – $176,751 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Salt Lake City
The Salt Lake City job market currently employs around 150 actuaries, which speaks to a relatively strong demand in this sector. However, it's essential to consider the cost of living, as reflected by the index of 100.868, slightly above the national average. This index indicates that, while salaries may appear competitive, take-home purchasing power may be impacted by local living expenses. Among employers, life insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife, as well as consulting firms like WTW and Oliver Wyman, tend to offer some of the highest pay packages. Actuaries can maximize their earnings by strategically pursuing additional exams and specializing in high-demand areas, such as predictive analytics or consulting, where credential completion may also lead to signing bonuses. Understanding the effect of credential levels and specialties on salary variance can be a powerful strategy for actuaries navigating the Salt Lake City market.
More salary data for Salt Lake City, UT:
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 $132,720 for actuariesin the Salt Lake City 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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