Senior Actuary Salary in Rockford, IL: $200,275 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Rockford, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $200,275/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Rockford's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $206,256 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 the Rockford, IL, area, being an experienced actuary presents a substantial income opportunity, particularly for those who have reached the upper echelons of their profession. The 2026 median annual salary for senior actuaries is projected to be $129,209, creating a distinct rift between mid-level salaries and top earners, who can command as much as $200,275. This pay gap exemplifies the value placed on extensive experience and specialized skills in the field. Achieving top-tier compensation in Rockford often requires not just significant years in the industry, but also strategic career moves aimed at enhancing one's qualifications through advanced credentials such as Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) or Fellowship of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS).
About the Rockford Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rockford
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Rockford earn between $165,388 and $200,275 per year (2026 est.). This $121,954 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rockford median of $129,209 sits 3.69% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Rockford | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $129,209 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,388 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $200,275 | $221,983 |
In Rockford, 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 Rockford
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $129,209 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rockford employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Rockford command premium compensation, often reaching the $165,388–$200,275 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rockford metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Rockford 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 Rockford
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRockford ranks #14 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $200,275).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Rockford ($200,275) is 4.4% below the Illinois average P90 ($209,500).
2019 BLS Actual
$174,668
2025 BLS Actual
$194,065
2026 Current Est.
$200,275
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Rockford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $174,668 | Actual |
| 2020 | $176,842 | Actual |
| 2021 | $186,595 | Actual |
| 2022 | $179,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $188,841 | Actual |
| 2024 | $194,065 | Actual |
| 2025 | $194,065 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $200,275 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $206,684 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Rockford saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $174,668 in 2019 to $194,065 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 $206,684 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rockford 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 Rockford
To maximize senior actuary pay in Rockford, a deep understanding of niche markets can lead to lucrative opportunities. Actuaries specializing in life and annuity, health, or property & casualty (P&C) typically see the most significant premiums, with consulting firms often offering higher pay compared to insurance companies. Employment at renowned organizations such as UnitedHealth or State Farm may provide pathways for advancement into leadership roles like managing actuary or chief actuary. Additionally, pursuing advanced credentials can enhance one’s marketability and salary potential; completing actuarial exams and obtaining designations like ASA or FSA often results in annual increases of $3,000 to $8,000. Non-salary compensation drivers also play a vital role in the total rewards package, with firms offering benefits aimed at supporting exam progression and incentivizing further specialization within the actuary profession.
More salary data for Rockford, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Rockford in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Rockford?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Rockford?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Rockford?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Rockford?
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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 $194,065 for actuaries in the Rockford 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 Rockford 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