Senior Actuary Salary in Jacksonville, AR: $155,310 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Jacksonville, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $155,310/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Jacksonville's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $178,723 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, senior actuaries in Jacksonville, Arkansas, can expect median annual salaries around $100,200, with the potential for top-tier earnings reaching as high as $155,310 for the highest 10% in the field. For seasoned professionals, this difference between the median and top earners highlights the experience premium associated with advanced actuarial roles. Reaching such high compensation levels often requires not only extensive experience, generally seven years or more, but also specialization in high-demand areas within actuarial science. Those seeking to maximize their earnings will benefit from pursuing certifications such as the Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) or the Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS), as these credentials typically correlate with the highest salary offers in the market.
About the Jacksonville Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jacksonville
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Jacksonville earn between $128,256 and $155,310 per year (2026 est.). This $92,752 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Jacksonville median of $100,200 sits 25.31% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Jacksonville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $100,200 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,256 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $155,310 | $221,983 |
In Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $100,200 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Jacksonville employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Jacksonville command premium compensation, often reaching the $128,256–$155,310 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Jacksonville metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedJacksonville ranks #7 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $155,310).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Jacksonville ($155,310) is 0.6% below the Arkansas average P90 ($156,249).
2019 BLS Actual
$135,452
2025 BLS Actual
$150,494
2026 Current Est.
$155,310
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $135,452 | Actual |
| 2020 | $137,138 | Actual |
| 2021 | $144,701 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,443 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,397 | Actual |
| 2025 | $150,494 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,310 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,280 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Jacksonville saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $135,452 in 2019 to $150,494 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 $160,280 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
Compensation for an experienced actuary salary in Jacksonville varies significantly based on specialization and employer type. Areas such as life and annuity, health, property and casualty (P&C), as well as enterprise risk management (ERM) command premiums. Top insurers in the region, including global players like Prudential and Cigna or consulting firms such as Mercer and Aon, often offer higher salaries compared to local firms, particularly for FSAs and FCAS designates. Advancement opportunities in the field typically follow a clear path, from actuarial analyst to certified actuary (ASA) and then to FSA or FCAS, with senior roles like managing actuary or consulting practice principal available for those who excel. Non-salary compensation, including bonuses for exam completion and study benefits, also plays an essential role in overall earnings, making it crucial for actuaries to strategically manage their career progression, focusing on both credentialing and specialization in high-value areas of the profession.
More salary data for Jacksonville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Jacksonville in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Jacksonville?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Jacksonville?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Jacksonville?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Jacksonville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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 $150,494 for actuaries in the Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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