Actuary Pay

Senior Actuary Salary in Rock Island, IL: $167,021 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Rock Island, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $167,021/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Rock Island's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $172,009 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$167,021
Top 10% Earn
$80.30/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$137,849
75th Percentile
$167,021
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Actuary Senior Salary in Rock Island, IL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Rock Island, IL actuary senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Compensation for senior actuaries in Rock Island, Illinois, reflects considerable earning potential, particularly for those who excel in their field. In 2026, top earners can expect a salary as high as $167,021, while the 75th percentile salary reaches $137,849. Comparatively, the median annual salary for experienced actuaries stands at $107,755, illustrating the significant wage disparity between average professionals and top-tier earners in this market. Achieving such high salaries requires a combination of extensive industry experience, advanced actuarial credentials, and specialized knowledge tailored to meet the demands of employers in Rock Island.

About the Rock Island Market

Salary estimated from Illinois average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rock Island

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for actuarys in Rock Island. The median salary is $107,755, compared to the national median of $134,160.$57.1K$86.7K$116.2K$145.8K$175.4K$63.4K10th Pctl$85.2K25th Pctl$107.8KMedian$137.8K75th Pctl$167.0K90th PctlUS Median$134.2K

Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Rock Island earn between $137,849 and $167,021 per year (2026 est.). This $103,572 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rock Island median of $107,755 sits 19.68% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of actuary pay in the Rock Island metro area.

Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison

LevelRock IslandNational
Median (P50)$107,755$134,160
75th Percentile$137,849$176,111
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$167,021$221,983

In Rock Island, 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 Rock Island

1

Advanced Certifications in Illinois

IL actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $107,755 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rock Island employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Rock Island command premium compensation, often reaching the $137,849–$167,021 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rock Island metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured actuaries in Rock Island with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

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 Rock Island

Clinical Actuary

0-5 years
$63,449 – $107,755

Senior/Lead Actuary

5-10 years
$107,755 – $137,849

Actuary Department Manager

10+ years
$137,849+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Rock Island ranks #64 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $167,021).

Top 10% actuary compensation in Rock Island ($167,021) is 20.28% below the Illinois average P90 ($209,500).

2019 BLS Actual

$145,665

2025 BLS Actual

$161,842

2026 Current Est.

$167,021

2019–2027 Growth

+18.3%

Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Rock Island (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for actuaries in Rock Island. Baseline $145,665 in 2025, projected to $172,366 by 2027.$136.8K$152.3K$167.9K$183.5K$199.1K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$145.7K$147.5K$155.6K$150.0K$157.5K$190.2K$161.8K$167.0K$172.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$145,665Actual
2020$147,479Actual
2021$155,612Actual
2022$149,954Actual
2023$157,486Actual
2024$190,159Actual
2025$161,842Actual
2026(current)$167,021Estimated
2027$172,366Projected

Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Rock Island saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $145,665 in 2019 to $161,842 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 $172,366 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rock Island metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Rock Island

Specializations significantly impact senior actuary pay in Rock Island, with areas like life and annuity, health, property and casualty, pension and retirement, enterprise risk management, and predictive analytics offering particularly competitive salaries. Compensation packages can vary depending on the employer type; for instance, life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife typically provide robust pay structures, while consulting firms such as Aon and Mercer may offer premium salaries for fellows in the field. Progressing through the ASA-to-FSA timeline not only enhances earning potential but also opens doors to leadership positions such as managing actuary or chief actuary. Additional credentials, including the ASA and FSA, combined with passing key actuarial exams, can elevate senior actuary salaries in IL by $3,000 to $8,000 per each exam passed, alongside benefits that reward continued education and specialization in sought-after markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced actuaries make in Rock Island in 2026?

Top-earning actuaries in Rock Island (90th percentile) make $167,021/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.20% annual growth). This is $59,266 more than the area median of $107,755 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior actuaries typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher actuary pay in Rock Island?

Higher actuary pay in Rock Island is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost actuary salary in Rock Island?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for actuaries in Rock Island include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $107,755, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Rock Island?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Rock Island is $167,021, well above $100K. Actuaries with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does actuary salary increase over time in Rock Island?

In Rock Island, the gap between entry level ($63,449) and top earners ($167,021) is $103,572, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Illinois

MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Patel, ASA, MAAAData verified by Aisha Khan, FSA, CERA

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 $161,842 for actuaries in the Rock Island 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 Rock Island is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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