Senior Actuary Salary in Jackson, MI: $191,129 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Jackson, MI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $191,129/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Jackson's price premium (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $205,074 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 Jackson, Michigan, experienced actuaries can expect substantial earnings, with top earners in the sector projected to reach $191,129 in 2026. This figure represents the 90th percentile for senior actuary pay in MI, highlighting a notable disparity from the median annual salary of $123,310. The potential for high remuneration is indicative of the experience premium that seasoned professionals can command—those with over seven years in the field are strategically positioned to surpass the median significantly. Achieving such top-tier compensation often involves specializing in areas like enterprise risk management or predictive analytics, which enhance an actuary's value and marketability in this competitive environment.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Jackson earn between $157,049 and $191,129 per year (2026 est.). This $116,047 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Jackson median of $123,310 sits 8.09% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Jackson | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $123,310 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,049 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $191,129 | $221,983 |
In Jackson, 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 Jackson
Advanced Certifications in Michigan
MI actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $123,310 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Jackson employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Jackson command premium compensation, often reaching the $157,049–$191,129 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Jackson metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Jackson 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 Jackson
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedJackson ranks #21 of 52 Michigan cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $191,129).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Jackson ($191,129) is 5.76% above the Michigan average P90 ($180,728).
2019 BLS Actual
$166,691
2025 BLS Actual
$185,203
2026 Current Est.
$191,129
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $166,691 | Actual |
| 2020 | $168,766 | Actual |
| 2021 | $178,074 | Actual |
| 2022 | $171,599 | Actual |
| 2023 | $180,218 | Actual |
| 2024 | $170,956 | Actual |
| 2025 | $185,203 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $191,129 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $197,246 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Jackson saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $166,691 in 2019 to $185,203 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 $197,246 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
Compensation for senior actuaries in Jackson varies significantly based on the type of employer and specialization. For instance, actuaries working in life and annuity sectors or with expertise in capital modeling tend to receive higher salaries compared to their counterparts in health or property and casualty domains. Employers like Prudential and MetLife offer superior packages for those with Fellowship status (FSA), while consulting firms such as Mercer and Aon are known to provide competitive pay for actuaries, especially those skilled in data science and predictive analytics. To climb the ranks from actuarial analyst to chief actuary, professionals often pursue advanced actuarial credentials such as ASA and FSA, with the transition from ASA to FSA typically taking an additional five to eight years. Besides salary, factors like exam progression and specialty market alignment can significantly influence overall compensation in this field, making it essential for actuaries to continually develop their skills and credentials to enhance their earning potential in Jackson, MI.
More salary data for Jackson, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Jackson in 2026?
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What certifications boost actuary salary in Jackson?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Jackson?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Jackson?
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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 $185,203 for actuaries in the Jackson 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 Jackson 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