Senior Actuary Salary in Wilmington, DE: $207,872 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Wilmington, DE — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $207,872/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Wilmington's price premium (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $204,397 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 Wilmington, Delaware, senior actuaries can command incredibly lucrative salaries, particularly as they gain experience and advance in their careers. The projected median annual salary in 2026 reaches $134,110, but the true earnings potential is significantly higher for top performers, with the P90 salary soaring to $207,872. This illustrates a substantial experience premium, as the gap between those median earnings and the top tier emphasizes the rewards that come with extensive expertise. To navigate towards these high salaries, actuaries often focus on specialized fields, such as life and annuity, enterprise risk management, or reinsurance pricing, which are highly sought after in the current job market. By securing advanced credentials and progressing along the ASA-to-FSA path, these professionals can position themselves for the highest-paying opportunities available in Wilmington.
About the Wilmington Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilmington
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Wilmington earn between $171,662 and $207,872 per year (2026 est.). This $128,028 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Wilmington median of $134,110 sits 0.04% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Wilmington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $134,110 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,662 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $207,872 | $221,983 |
In Wilmington, 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 Wilmington
Advanced Certifications in Delaware
DE actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $134,110 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Wilmington employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Wilmington command premium compensation, often reaching the $171,662–$207,872 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Wilmington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Wilmington 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 Delaware 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 Wilmington
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWilmington ranks #1 of 6 Delaware cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $207,872).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Wilmington ($207,872) is 6.57% above the Delaware average P90 ($195,055).
2019 BLS Actual
$181,293
2025 BLS Actual
$201,426
2026 Current Est.
$207,872
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $181,293 | Actual |
| 2020 | $183,550 | Actual |
| 2021 | $193,672 | Actual |
| 2022 | $186,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $196,004 | Actual |
| 2024 | $206,341 | Actual |
| 2025 | $201,426 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $207,872 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $214,524 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Wilmington saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $181,293 in 2019 to $201,426 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 $214,524 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Compensation for senior actuaries in Wilmington can vary remarkably depending on the employer type and specialization. For instance, life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife often offer higher compensation packages compared to health insurance providers such as UnitedHealth and Cigna. Moreover, areas of expertise such as predictive analytics and capital modeling command premium pay—essential in today's data-driven landscape. Additionally, managerial roles in consulting firms like Mercer and Aon typically lead to higher salaries due to the demand for FSAs and FCAS credentials in the marketplace. The timeline for qualifications is also significant, with the transformation from ASA to FSA requiring between five to eight years of exam passage and study commitments. The senior level is not only about salary but also about advancement opportunities, where experienced actuaries can ascend to positions like chief actuary or consulting practice principal, thus further amplifying their earning potential in Delaware's competitive landscape.
More salary data for Wilmington, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Wilmington in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Wilmington?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Wilmington?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Wilmington?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Wilmington?
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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 $201,426 for actuaries in the Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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