Senior Actuary Salary in Ann Arbor, MI: $198,557 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Ann Arbor, MI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $198,557/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Ann Arbor's price premium (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $213,044 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, experienced actuaries in Ann Arbor, MI can expect a median annual salary of $128,101, but those advancing into senior positions stand to earn significantly more, with top earners (P90) reaching up to $198,557. This income reflects a notable gap between the median and the upper tier of salaries, emphasizing that seasoned professionals with strong actuarial expertise attract substantial pay premiums. Achieving such top-tier compensation often hinges on specialized knowledge, professional certifications like ASA or FSA, and a strong exam completion record, which help actuaries distinguish themselves in a competitive job market. The Ann Arbor market offers unique opportunities, albeit with a slightly lower median compared to the national average of $134,160, compelling actuaries to consider local economic factors when negotiating salary expectations.
About the Ann Arbor Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ann Arbor
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Ann Arbor earn between $163,969 and $198,557 per year (2026 est.). This $124,258 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Ann Arbor median of $128,101 sits 4.52% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Ann Arbor | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $128,101 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,969 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $198,557 | $221,983 |
In Ann Arbor, 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 Ann Arbor
Advanced Certifications in Michigan
MI actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $128,101 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Ann Arbor employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Ann Arbor command premium compensation, often reaching the $163,969–$198,557 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Ann Arbor metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Ann Arbor 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 Michigan 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 Ann Arbor
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAnn Arbor ranks #2 of 52 Michigan cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $198,557).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Ann Arbor ($198,557) is 9.87% above the Michigan average P90 ($180,728).
2019 BLS Actual
$173,169
2025 BLS Actual
$192,400
2026 Current Est.
$198,557
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Ann Arbor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $173,169 | Actual |
| 2020 | $175,325 | Actual |
| 2021 | $184,994 | Actual |
| 2022 | $178,267 | Actual |
| 2023 | $187,221 | Actual |
| 2024 | $177,599 | Actual |
| 2025 | $192,400 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $198,557 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $204,911 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Ann Arbor saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $173,169 in 2019 to $192,400 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 $204,911 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor
Compensation varies significantly across different sectors within the actuarial field in Ann Arbor, influencing senior actuary pay in MI. Specializations such as life and annuity, health, property & casualty (P&C), and capital modeling tend to command higher salaries, with consulting firms often providing larger paychecks compared to traditional insurance companies. Employers like Prudential, MetLife, and State Farm, as well as consulting giants such as Mercer and Milliman, recognize qualifications and experience in determining compensation levels. Career trajectories provide further financial advancement; progression from ASA to FSA or FCAS typically enhances earning power, as does expertise in predictive analytics or data science, which is increasingly in demand. Moreover, advancing through the ASA-to-FSA timeline, coupled with rigorous exam progression, can yield significant pay increases, allowing actuaries to maximize their earning potential through strategic career moves and ongoing professional development.
More salary data for Ann Arbor, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Ann Arbor in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Ann Arbor?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Ann Arbor?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Ann Arbor?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Ann Arbor?
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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 $192,400 for actuaries in the Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor 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