Senior Actuary Salary in Berwyn, IL: $199,523 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Berwyn, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $199,523/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Berwyn's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $205,482 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, a seasoned actuary in Berwyn, Illinois, has the potential to command an impressive P90 salary of $199,523, reinforcing the notion that experience pays off in this profession. For those reaching the P75, earnings can ascend to $164,767, highlighting a significant disparity between the median salary of $128,724 and the high-end paychecks available to top-tier professionals. Achieving these upper echelons of compensation often requires a blend of extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced credentials. Actuaries who master complex areas such as predictive analytics or enterprise risk management, and successfully navigate the certification process, can certainly position themselves for the most lucrative opportunities in Berwyn.
About the Berwyn Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Berwyn
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Berwyn earn between $164,767 and $199,523 per year (2026 est.). This $124,863 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Berwyn median of $128,724 sits 4.05% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Berwyn | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $128,724 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,767 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $199,523 | $221,983 |
In Berwyn, 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 Berwyn
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $128,724 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Berwyn employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Berwyn command premium compensation, often reaching the $164,767–$199,523 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Berwyn metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Berwyn 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 Illinois 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 Berwyn
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBerwyn ranks #17 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $199,523).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Berwyn ($199,523) is 4.76% below the Illinois average P90 ($209,500).
2019 BLS Actual
$174,011
2025 BLS Actual
$193,336
2026 Current Est.
$199,523
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Berwyn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $174,011 | Actual |
| 2020 | $176,178 | Actual |
| 2021 | $185,894 | Actual |
| 2022 | $179,135 | Actual |
| 2023 | $188,132 | Actual |
| 2024 | $193,336 | Actual |
| 2025 | $193,336 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $199,523 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $205,907 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Berwyn saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $174,011 in 2019 to $193,336 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 $205,907 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berwyn 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 Berwyn
At this senior level, specialization can have a profound impact on income. In particular, roles in life and annuity, health insurance, property & casualty (P&C), and reinsurance pricing tend to offer higher salaries in Berwyn. Employers such as life insurance firms, health insurers, and consulting practices often differentiate their compensation based on these specializations; for instance, consulting firms may pay a premium for those with FSA or FCAS certifications. Furthermore, taking on leadership roles within organizations can catalyze a career trajectory from actuarial analyst to Chief Actuary, bolstered by the ASA-to-FSA progression that typically spans several years of exam completion. Advanced credentials not only elevate one's salary but also convey expertise in various domains, with pay potentially increasing by $3,000 to $8,000 per exam passed. Given the competitive nature of the industry, combining advanced qualifications with specialized knowledge positions experienced actuaries favorably in the evolving market of Illinois.
More salary data for Berwyn, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Berwyn in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Berwyn?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Berwyn?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Berwyn?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Berwyn?
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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 $193,336 for actuaries in the Berwyn 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 Berwyn 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