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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Rock Island | National |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRock 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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $145,665 | Actual |
| 2020 | $147,479 | Actual |
| 2021 | $155,612 | Actual |
| 2022 | $149,954 | Actual |
| 2023 | $157,486 | Actual |
| 2024 | $190,159 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,842 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $167,021 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $172,366 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rock Island 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 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.
More salary data for Rock Island, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Rock Island in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Rock Island?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Rock Island?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Rock Island?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Rock Island?
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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 $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).
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