Senior Actuary Salary in Peoria, IL: $202,428 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Peoria, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $202,428/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Peoria's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $208,474 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, the compensation landscape for experienced actuaries in Peoria, IL, shows a robust potential for top earners. With a median annual salary of $130,599, seasoned professionals can expect to see earnings climb significantly, with the 75th percentile earning $167,166 and the 90th percentile achieving an impressive $202,428. This creates a notable experience premium, illustrating the substantial gap between lower and top-tier compensation levels in the market. Accessing this upper echelon of pay usually requires at least seven years of relevant experience, coupled with advanced professional credentials like the FSA or FCAS designations and possibly specialized skills in predictive analytics or capital modeling. When compared to the national median of $134,160, Peoria's senior actuary pay falls slightly below average, indicating a localized market that still offers significant rewards for those who excel.
About the Peoria Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Peoria
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Peoria earn between $167,166 and $202,428 per year (2026 est.). This $120,971 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Peoria median of $130,599 sits 2.65% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Peoria | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $130,599 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,166 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $202,428 | $221,983 |
In Peoria, 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 Peoria
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $130,599 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Peoria employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Peoria command premium compensation, often reaching the $167,166–$202,428 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Peoria metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Peoria 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 Peoria
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPeoria ranks #6 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $202,428).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Peoria ($202,428) is 3.38% below the Illinois average P90 ($209,500).
2019 BLS Actual
$176,545
2025 BLS Actual
$196,151
2026 Current Est.
$202,428
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $176,545 | Actual |
| 2020 | $178,743 | Actual |
| 2021 | $188,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $181,743 | Actual |
| 2023 | $190,871 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,000 | Actual |
| 2025 | $196,151 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $202,428 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $208,906 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Peoria saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $176,545 in 2019 to $196,151 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 $208,906 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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 Peoria
In terms of specialization, senior actuaries in Peoria can command premium pay by focusing on areas such as life and annuity, health insurance, property & casualty, and enterprise risk management. Employers range from major health insurers like UnitedHealth and Cigna to property & casualty giants like State Farm and consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer. Compensation varies widely across these employer types, with consulting firms generally offering higher salaries for professionals holding advanced credentials. The path to further advancement can often start from an actuarial analyst position, leading up to managing actuary or chief actuary roles, facilitated by continuous exam progressions such as the ASA-to-FSA track. Enhanced credentials acquired through disciplined exam preparation contribute significantly to salary spikes, with each passed exam potentially resulting in a $3,000 to $8,000 pay increase. The focus on advanced education, such as obtaining an ASA or FSA, is therefore crucial for actuaries aiming to optimize their earning potential in the evolving market landscape of Peoria, IL.
More salary data for Peoria, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Peoria in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Peoria?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Peoria?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Peoria?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Peoria?
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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 $196,151 for actuaries in the Peoria 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 Peoria 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