Senior Actuary Salary in Des Plaines, IL: $195,204 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Des Plaines, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $195,204/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Des Plaines's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $201,034 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, experienced actuaries in Des Plaines, Illinois, can anticipate a median annual salary of $125,938, with the potential for top earners at the 90th percentile making $195,204. This significant earning potential stands out against the national top tier, bolstered by the strategic positioning of the profession in a city that combines competitive pay with a relatively low cost of living. The substantial gap between the median salary and the highest salaries points to the experience premium that senior actuaries command, a reward for navigating the complexities of actuarial tasks and demonstrating expertise in vital areas such as predictive analytics and capital modeling. To achieve such exceptional salaries, seasoned professionals typically invest years of study, engage in continual professional development, and often pursue advanced credentials beyond the Associate designation.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Plaines
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Des Plaines earn between $161,200 and $195,204 per year (2026 est.). This $118,323 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Des Plaines median of $125,938 sits 6.13% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Des Plaines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $125,938 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,200 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $195,204 | $221,983 |
In Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $125,938 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Des Plaines employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Des Plaines command premium compensation, often reaching the $161,200–$195,204 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Des Plaines metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDes Plaines ranks #44 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $195,204).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Des Plaines ($195,204) is 6.82% below the Illinois average P90 ($209,500).
2019 BLS Actual
$170,245
2025 BLS Actual
$189,151
2026 Current Est.
$195,204
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $170,245 | Actual |
| 2020 | $172,364 | Actual |
| 2021 | $181,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $175,257 | Actual |
| 2023 | $184,059 | Actual |
| 2024 | $189,151 | Actual |
| 2025 | $189,151 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $195,204 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $201,450 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Des Plaines saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $170,245 in 2019 to $189,151 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 $201,450 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
Compensation for senior actuaries can vary significantly based on industry specialization and employer type in Des Plaines. Actuaries focusing on life and annuity, property & casualty, or enterprise risk management tend to command the highest salaries, driven by the specific expertise advertisers seek as risk modeling becomes increasingly sophisticated. For example, consulting firms like Mercer or Aon may offer premium pay to those with Fellowship credentials, reflecting the higher value placed on expertise compared to traditional insurers. Paths to advancement, whether through progressing from ASA to FSA or moving into leadership roles like chief actuary, often come with financial incentives tied to successful exam completions. Additionally, the growing importance of data analytics skills is pushing a shift in demand; actuaries who blend traditional qualifications with modern data science capabilities can expect to see enhanced salary prospects and opportunities across the market. Ultimately, standing out in this competitive field requires continuous learning, strategic positioning within specialization areas, and proactive career management, as these elements are crucial in realizing the higher compensation associated with senior actuary pay in IL.
More salary data for Des Plaines, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Des Plaines in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Des Plaines?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Des Plaines?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Des Plaines?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Des Plaines?
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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 $189,151 for actuaries in the Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines 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