Senior Actuary Salary in Derby, KS: $170,671 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Derby, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $170,671/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Derby's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $187,757 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 Derby, Kansas, experienced actuaries can anticipate substantial compensation, especially if they reach the top tiers of their profession. The projected median annual salary for senior actuaries in 2026 stands at $110,110, but those at the P90 mark can command as much as $170,671. This represents a significant gap, illustrating the premium placed on advanced expertise and specialization that is often required to reach these heights. Compared to the national average of $134,160, Derby's top actuary salary reflects a regional variance, yet it showcases the potential for lucrative positions within the Kansas market. Achieving top-tier pay typically demands not only extensive experience but also advanced credentials, ongoing professional development, and strategic career moves, particularly in high-demand areas such as predictive analytics or enterprise risk management.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derby
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Derby earn between $140,941 and $170,671 per year (2026 est.). This $103,175 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Derby median of $110,110 sits 17.93% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Derby | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $110,110 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,941 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $170,671 | $221,983 |
In Derby, 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 Derby
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $110,110 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Derby employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Derby command premium compensation, often reaching the $140,941–$170,671 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Derby metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Derby 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 Kansas 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 Derby
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDerby ranks #10 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $170,671).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Derby ($170,671) is 3.89% below the Kansas average P90 ($177,588).
2019 BLS Actual
$148,849
2025 BLS Actual
$165,379
2026 Current Est.
$170,671
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $148,849 | Actual |
| 2020 | $150,702 | Actual |
| 2021 | $159,013 | Actual |
| 2022 | $153,231 | Actual |
| 2023 | $160,927 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,609 | Actual |
| 2025 | $165,379 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $170,671 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $176,133 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Derby saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $148,849 in 2019 to $165,379 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 $176,133 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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 Derby
Senior actuaries in Derby who focus on specific niches can greatly enhance their earning potential. Sectors like life and annuity insurance, health, and property & casualty (P&C) offer higher compensation, with firms such as Prudential and MetLife being key employers in the life sector, while companies like UnitedHealth dominate in health insurance. Career paths—moving from actuarial analyst roles to Associate (ASA) and then Fellow (FSA) designations—create ample opportunity for fiscal growth, particularly since each passed exam often translates to significant increases in salary. Additional credentials in specialty market segments such as pension consulting or reinsurance can further boost earnings. Furthermore, non-salary compensation drivers, including study time benefits and signing bonuses for new credentials, make advancing in this field not only financially rewarding but also worthwhile in terms of professional growth.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Derby in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Derby?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Derby?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Derby?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Derby?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 $165,379 for actuaries in the Derby 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 Derby 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