Senior Actuary Salary in Baltimore, MD: $191,147 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Baltimore, MD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $191,147/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Baltimore's price premium (BEA RPP 104.5, 4% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $182,939 in average-cost America. The 46% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, professionals positioned as senior actuaries in Baltimore, MD, have the potential to earn significantly, with a top annual salary reaching $191,147 for the most experienced individuals in the field. The median annual salary of $131,012 indicates a noticeable experience premium, highlighting the substantial gap that exists between mid-career compensations and top-tier payouts. Achieving these high salaries often requires expertise in specialized areas such as predictive analytics, risk management, and sophisticated modeling techniques, along with years of experience and credentials. Many in this labor market find that advancing through the ranks, alongside obtaining essential certifications like ASA or FSA, plays a crucial role in breaking the $160,000 threshold typically observed around the 75th percentile.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Baltimore
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Baltimore earn between $164,263 and $191,147 per year (2026 est.). This $112,024 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Baltimore median of $131,012 sits 2.35% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Baltimore | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $131,012 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,263 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $191,147 | $221,983 |
In Baltimore, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 45.90% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Baltimore
Advanced Certifications in Maryland
MD actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $131,012 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Baltimore employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Baltimore command premium compensation, often reaching the $164,263–$191,147 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Baltimore metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Baltimore with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Actuaries in Maryland 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 Baltimore
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBaltimore ranks #27 of 27 Maryland cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $191,147).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Baltimore ($191,147) is 6.8% below the Maryland average P90 ($205,093).
2019 BLS Actual
$164,200
2025 BLS Actual
$185,220
2026 Current Est.
$191,147
2019–2027 Growth
+20.1%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Baltimore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $164,200 | Actual |
| 2020 | $170,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $178,090 | Actual |
| 2022 | $176,280 | Actual |
| 2023 | $172,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $191,880 | Actual |
| 2025 | $185,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $191,147 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $197,264 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Baltimore saw their compensation grow 12.8% from $164,200 in 2019 to $185,220 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 $197,264 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Baltimore 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 Baltimore
Compensation for senior actuaries varies depending on the employer type in Baltimore, reflecting the specific market dynamics while enhancing the salary landscape. Life and annuity actuaries often experience competitive pay, particularly within major life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, while actuaries specializing in enterprise risk management or reinsurance may find even greater financial rewards at firms such as Munich Re or Swiss Re. Consulting firms like Aon and Mercer pay extra for fellows with advanced credentials. Moreover, the compensation progression within the profession is heavily influenced by exam achievements; each passed exam translates to tangible salary increases. Those aspiring to take leadership or principal positions as managing actuaries typically navigate a pathway that transitions from actuarial analyst roles through the ASA-to-FSA timeline, with robust pay incentives awaiting high achievers who complete rigorous testing and earn advanced qualifications.
More salary data for Baltimore, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Baltimore in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Baltimore?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Baltimore?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Baltimore?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Baltimore?
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 $185,220 for actuaries in the Baltimore 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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