Senior Actuary Salary in Conway, AR: $151,587 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Conway, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $151,587/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Conway's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $174,438 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, seasoned actuaries in Conway can anticipate a median annual salary of $97,799, with top earners reaching impressive figures, particularly the 90th percentile salary of $151,587. This considerable earning potential contrasts markedly with the national median of $134,160, highlighting a substantial gap that reflects both local market conditions and competitive demand. The journey to securing a top actuary salary in Conway often requires navigating various professional milestones—such as obtaining advanced credentials like ASA and FSA, which can significantly bolster one’s market value. After accruing more than seven years of experience, actuaries can capitalize on this expertise to negotiate for higher salaries and positions that leverage their specialized knowledge within the field.
About the Conway Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Conway
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Conway earn between $125,182 and $151,587 per year (2026 est.). This $91,534 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Conway median of $97,799 sits 27.1% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Conway | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $97,799 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,182 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $151,587 | $221,983 |
In Conway, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Conway
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $97,799 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Conway employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Conway command premium compensation, often reaching the $125,182–$151,587 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Conway metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Conway with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Actuaries in Arkansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Actuary Career & Wage Growth Path in Conway
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedConway ranks #15 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $151,587).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Conway ($151,587) is 2.98% below the Arkansas average P90 ($156,249).
2019 BLS Actual
$132,205
2025 BLS Actual
$146,887
2026 Current Est.
$151,587
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Conway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $132,205 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,851 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,233 | Actual |
| 2022 | $136,098 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,933 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,126 | Actual |
| 2025 | $146,887 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $151,587 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $156,438 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Conway saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $132,205 in 2019 to $146,887 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.20% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $156,438 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Conway 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.
Maximizing Your Actuary Earnings in Conway
When it comes to earning potential in Conway, certain actuarial specializations particularly command premium pay. Actuaries focusing on life and annuity, health insurance, and property & casualty (P&C) are positioned favorably to see substantial compensation based on the employer type. For instance, life insurance firms such as Prudential and MetLife, along with reinsurance leaders like Munich Re, have a reputation for offering competitive salaries to seasoned professionals. Advancing along the career pathway—from actuarial analyst to chief actuary—often hinges on obtaining critical qualifications and successfully passing rigorous exams set by the SOA and CAS. The exam process can be a significant income driver; each passed exam may add $3,000 to $8,000 to one’s base salary. Additionally, actuaries engaged in consulting roles, particularly with companies like Milliman or Aon, may find their compensation enhanced by the demand for advanced skills in predictive analytics and data science, translating into more lucrative positions in the marketplace.
More salary data for Conway, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Conway in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Conway?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Conway?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Conway?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Conway?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $146,887 for actuaries in the Conway metro area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Conway 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