Senior Actuary Salary in Richmond, KY: $164,116 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Richmond, KY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $164,116/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Richmond's price premium (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $183,781 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 Richmond, Kentucky have the potential to earn a top salary of $164,116, which places them strategically in the upper tier of the profession. The median annual salary is projected at $105,881, highlighting a significant gap that experienced professionals can bridge through specialized skills, advanced credentials, and strategic career choices. Achieving top-tier compensation involves not just years of experience, but also active engagement in continuous education, such as passing the requisite exams from the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). Richmond’s competitive market, while offering lower median salaries compared to the national average, presents opportunities for actuaries to excel in niches like predictive analytics and capital modeling, driving future career advancement.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Richmond earn between $135,527 and $164,116 per year (2026 est.). This $99,926 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Richmond median of $105,881 sits 21.08% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Richmond | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $105,881 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,527 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $164,116 | $221,983 |
In Richmond, 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 Richmond
Advanced Certifications in Kentucky
KY actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $105,881 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Richmond employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Richmond command premium compensation, often reaching the $135,527–$164,116 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Richmond metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Richmond 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 Kentucky 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 Richmond
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRichmond ranks #9 of 20 Kentucky cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $164,116).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Richmond ($164,116) is 5.38% below the Kentucky average P90 ($173,450).
2019 BLS Actual
$143,132
2025 BLS Actual
$159,027
2026 Current Est.
$164,116
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $143,132 | Actual |
| 2020 | $144,913 | Actual |
| 2021 | $152,905 | Actual |
| 2022 | $147,346 | Actual |
| 2023 | $154,746 | Actual |
| 2024 | $147,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $159,027 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $164,116 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $169,368 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Richmond saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $143,132 in 2019 to $159,027 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 $169,368 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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 Richmond
Specializations play a critical role in determining senior actuary pay in KY; areas such as life and annuity, health, and enterprise risk management tend to command higher salaries. Compensation varies across employer types, with life insurance companies often offering different pay scales compared to consulting firms or reinsurance organizations. For those in Richmond, a focus on markets like property & casualty insurance can also enhance their earning potential. Advancing your career typically follows a clear pathway: actuarial analyst positions can evolve into leadership roles like managing actuary or chief actuary. This journey includes obtaining high-level credentials like ASA and FSA, which significantly elevate salaries. Experienced actuaries should consider not just base pay but also comprehensive non-salary benefits associated with professional growth, exam progression rewards, and the increasingly competitive demand for data-driven actuarial expertise.
More salary data for Richmond, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Richmond in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Richmond?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Richmond?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Richmond?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Richmond?
Related Pages
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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 $159,027 for actuaries in the Richmond 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 Richmond 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