Senior Actuary Salary in Hays, KS: $162,048 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Hays, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $162,048/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Hays's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $178,271 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 Hays, Kansas, an experienced actuary stands to earn a competitive salary, particularly at senior levels where the potential for financial growth is substantial. The top earners in 2026 can expect to receive as much as $162,048 annually, with a significant segment of seasoned professionals earning around $133,819. This creates a pronounced gap between the median salary of $104,547 and the top-tier compensation, reflecting the rewards associated with advanced expertise and specialization in the field. Aspiring to reach these upper echelons of pay requires not only extensive experience, generally at least seven years, but also the pursuit of additional credentials, such as the ASA or FSA, alongside mastery in core actuarial practices.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Hays earn between $133,819 and $162,048 per year (2026 est.). This $90,793 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hays median of $104,547 sits 22.07% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Hays | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $104,547 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,819 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $162,048 | $221,983 |
In Hays, 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 Hays
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $104,547 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hays employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Hays command premium compensation, often reaching the $133,819–$162,048 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hays metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Hays 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 Hays
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHays ranks #19 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $162,048).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Hays ($162,048) is 8.75% below the Kansas average P90 ($177,588).
2019 BLS Actual
$141,328
2025 BLS Actual
$157,023
2026 Current Est.
$162,048
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $141,328 | Actual |
| 2020 | $143,087 | Actual |
| 2021 | $150,979 | Actual |
| 2022 | $145,489 | Actual |
| 2023 | $152,796 | Actual |
| 2024 | $147,748 | Actual |
| 2025 | $157,023 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $162,048 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $167,233 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Hays saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $141,328 in 2019 to $157,023 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 $167,233 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays 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 Hays
Specialized skills can significantly influence salaries for senior actuaries in the Hays market, particularly in niches like life and annuity, health, property and casualty, and enterprise risk management. Employers such as life insurance companies, including Prudential and MetLife, or health insurers like UnitedHealth, often offer varying pay scales that reflect specific sector demands. Consulting firms, in contrast, tend to reward those with FSA and FCAS credentials more generously, particularly in the realms of predictive analytics and reinsurance pricing. Career advancement for actuaries typically follows a structured path, moving from analyst roles to attaining ASA and FSA designations, which can unlock increased compensation. In Hays, obtaining advanced membership levels and passing additional exams can further boost earning potential, wherein each credential not only enhances credibility but also translates into salary increments, echoing the significance of exam progression as a major compensation driver.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Hays in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Hays?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Hays?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Hays?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Hays?
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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 $157,023 for actuaries in the Hays 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 Hays 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