Senior Actuary Salary in Hilo, HI: $172,737 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Hilo, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $172,737/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Hilo's price premium (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $144,792 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 Hilo, Hawaii, experienced actuaries have the potential to earn substantial salaries, with the 2026 median annual salary projected at $111,444. The most accomplished professionals in the field can expect to make top-tier earnings, with the 90th percentile (P90) salary reaching an impressive $172,737, significantly higher than the median. This stark contrast, alongside the 75th percentile (P75) salary of $142,648, illustrates the high financial rewards that come with advanced expertise. Achieving this level of compensation typically requires extensive experience—over seven years—and a solid track record in specialized actuarial domains. Navigating the path toward these senior roles usually involves obtaining advanced credentials like the Fellowship (FSA/FCAS) and continuously passing exams to elevate one's professional standing.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Hilo earn between $142,648 and $172,737 per year (2026 est.). This $102,277 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hilo median of $111,444 sits 16.93% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Hilo | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $111,444 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,648 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $172,737 | $221,983 |
In Hilo, 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 Hilo
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $111,444 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hilo employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Hilo command premium compensation, often reaching the $142,648–$172,737 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hilo metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Hilo 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 Hawaii 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 Hilo
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHilo ranks #9 of 9 Hawaii cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $172,737).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Hilo ($172,737) is 7.31% below the Hawaii average P90 ($186,366).
2019 BLS Actual
$150,651
2025 BLS Actual
$167,381
2026 Current Est.
$172,737
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $150,651 | Actual |
| 2020 | $152,526 | Actual |
| 2021 | $160,938 | Actual |
| 2022 | $155,086 | Actual |
| 2023 | $162,875 | Actual |
| 2024 | $207,057 | Actual |
| 2025 | $167,381 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $172,737 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $178,265 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Hilo saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $150,651 in 2019 to $167,381 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 $178,265 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilo 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 Hilo
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Salaries for senior actuaries in Hilo can vary widely based on specialization and employer type. Those focusing on life and annuity products, health insurance, or advanced areas like predictive analytics and reinsurance pricing often command premium pay. Employers in life insurance, such as Prudential and MetLife, provide competitive packages, while health insurance companies like UnitedHealth and Cigna also pay well for highly skilled actuaries. Actuaries working for consulting firms, like Mercer or Aon, generally receive compensation that reflects their expertise and the demand for their skills, particularly if they hold advanced credentials. Career progression leads many toward leadership positions, starting as actuarial analysts and potentially advancing to chief actuary roles, with significant financial incentives associated with certification milestones like ASA and FSA. To further increase earning potential, candidates typically focus on progressing through the ASA-to-FSA exam timeline, where passing each exam often correlates with a salary increase of $3,000-$8,000.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Hilo in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Hilo?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Hilo?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Hilo?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Hilo?
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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 $167,381 for actuaries in the Hilo 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 Hilo 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