Senior Actuary Salary in Shawnee, KS: $168,721 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Shawnee, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $168,721/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Shawnee's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $185,612 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 2026, seasoned actuaries in Shawnee, Kansas, can expect a median annual salary of $108,852, with top earners reaching up to $168,721. This figure illustrates a notable earning potential that significantly offsets the variance between median and top salaries. The advanced skills and experience needed to break into the upper echelons of actuarial compensation in this region generate a premium that can be crucial for those looking to elevate their careers. With a robust salary range from $67,872 at the 10th percentile to $168,721 at the 90th, it is clear that experienced professionals in Shawnee have the opportunity for substantial earnings, especially when factoring in local market conditions which may differ from national trends.
About the Shawnee Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shawnee
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Shawnee earn between $139,331 and $168,721 per year (2026 est.). This $100,849 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Shawnee median of $108,852 sits 18.86% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Shawnee | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $108,852 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,331 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $168,721 | $221,983 |
In Shawnee, 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 Shawnee
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $108,852 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Shawnee employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Shawnee command premium compensation, often reaching the $139,331–$168,721 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Shawnee metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Shawnee 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 Shawnee
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedShawnee ranks #13 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $168,721).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Shawnee ($168,721) is 4.99% below the Kansas average P90 ($177,588).
2019 BLS Actual
$147,148
2025 BLS Actual
$163,489
2026 Current Est.
$168,721
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Shawnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $147,148 | Actual |
| 2020 | $148,979 | Actual |
| 2021 | $157,196 | Actual |
| 2022 | $151,480 | Actual |
| 2023 | $159,088 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,831 | Actual |
| 2025 | $163,489 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $168,721 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $174,120 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Shawnee saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $147,148 in 2019 to $163,489 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 $174,120 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shawnee 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 Shawnee
In Shawnee, specialties such as life and annuity, health, property and casualty (P&C), and enterprise risk management (ERM) significantly influence senior actuary pay in KS. For example, actuaries working for major life insurance companies like Prudential or health insurers like UnitedHealth may command higher salaries than those in smaller firms or less specialized consulting roles. The pay gradient observed across employer types reflects the demand for advanced skills, such as predictive analytics and capital modeling. Furthermore, senior actuaries often carve out advancement paths, moving from actuarial analyst roles to achieving fellowship status, which can further enhance their earning capabilities. Credentials such as ASA and FSA become more valuable over time, contributing to a trajectory where each passed exam translates into increased compensation. Non-salary factors, like study time benefits and bonuses linked to credential completion, also play an invaluable role in shaping the overall compensation package for senior actuaries in the area, boosting their appeal amidst a competitive market.
More salary data for Shawnee, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Shawnee in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Shawnee?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Shawnee?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Shawnee?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Shawnee?
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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 $163,489 for actuaries in the Shawnee 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 Shawnee 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