Senior Actuary Salary in Kearney, NE: $183,227 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Kearney, NE — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $183,227/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Kearney's price premium (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $200,248 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
Kearney, Nebraska, presents a compelling opportunity for seasoned actuaries, especially those targeting the upper echelons of the profession. With a projected top earner salary of $183,227 in 2026 and a strong P75 compensation of $151,311, experienced actuaries in this market stand to benefit significantly. While the median annual salary sits at $118,211, the gap to those at the highest pay levels underscores the value of expertise and specialization in defining one's career trajectory. To achieve these top-tier pay rates, actuaries must not only accumulate years of experience but also develop niche skills and potentially acquire advanced credentials that are widely respected across employer sectors in Kearney.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearney
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Kearney earn between $151,311 and $183,227 per year (2026 est.). This $106,163 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kearney median of $118,211 sits 11.89% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Kearney | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $118,211 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $151,311 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $183,227 | $221,983 |
In Kearney, 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 Kearney
Advanced Certifications in Nebraska
NE actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $118,211 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kearney employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Kearney command premium compensation, often reaching the $151,311–$183,227 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kearney metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Kearney 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 Nebraska 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 Kearney
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKearney ranks #7 of 13 Nebraska cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $183,227).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Kearney ($183,227) is 2.01% below the Nebraska average P90 ($186,987).
2019 BLS Actual
$159,800
2025 BLS Actual
$177,546
2026 Current Est.
$183,227
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $159,800 | Actual |
| 2020 | $161,789 | Actual |
| 2021 | $170,712 | Actual |
| 2022 | $164,504 | Actual |
| 2023 | $172,767 | Actual |
| 2024 | $161,158 | Actual |
| 2025 | $177,546 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $183,227 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $189,091 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Kearney saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $159,800 in 2019 to $177,546 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 $189,091 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearney 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 Kearney
Senior actuaries with specialized knowledge can command higher salaries in Nebraska, particularly in areas such as capital modeling, health insurance, and enterprise risk management. Different employer types remain key to varying compensation; actuaries working for life and health insurers like Prudential or UnitedHealth often find salaries that reflect competitive demand, while those in consultancy firms such as Mercer or Milliman can leverage their credentials for significant pay increases. As actuaries progress through their careers—from actuarial analyst to ASA and eventually to FSA—additional exams completed typically translate into salary hikes that can range as much as $3,000 to $8,000 per exam. The ASA-to-FSA transition is crucial, with the completion of these credentials opening doors to roles that significantly influence compensation packages. In Kearney, the pathway to maximizing senior actuary pay extends beyond traditional credentials, emphasizing the value of strategic specialization and continued professional development.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Kearney in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Kearney?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Kearney?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Kearney?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Kearney?
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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 $177,546 for actuaries in the Kearney 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 Kearney 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