Senior Actuary Salary in Norfolk, NE: $177,204 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Norfolk, NE — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $177,204/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Norfolk's price premium (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $193,666 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 Norfolk, Nebraska have the potential to earn a median annual salary of $114,325, with top earners (P90) reaching up to $177,204. This figure shows a significant contrast to the national median actuary salary of $134,160, highlighting a 14.78% lower compensation level in the local market. For experienced professionals, the gap between the median and the highest salaries illustrates the lucrative opportunities available for those who specialize and elevate their qualifications. Achieving top-tier pay often involves advancing through the exam process to obtain credentials like ASA or FSA, targeting roles that demand leadership and expertise. In Norfolk, those who continue their education and gain practical experience in niche areas can realize greater financial rewards.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Norfolk earn between $146,336 and $177,204 per year (2026 est.). This $100,685 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Norfolk median of $114,325 sits 14.78% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Norfolk | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $114,325 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,336 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $177,204 | $221,983 |
In Norfolk, 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 Norfolk
Advanced Certifications in Nebraska
NE actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $114,325 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Norfolk employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Norfolk command premium compensation, often reaching the $146,336–$177,204 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Norfolk metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Norfolk 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 Norfolk
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedNorfolk ranks #10 of 13 Nebraska cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $177,204).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Norfolk ($177,204) is 5.23% below the Nebraska average P90 ($186,987).
2019 BLS Actual
$154,546
2025 BLS Actual
$171,709
2026 Current Est.
$177,204
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $154,546 | Actual |
| 2020 | $156,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $165,099 | Actual |
| 2022 | $159,096 | Actual |
| 2023 | $167,087 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,859 | Actual |
| 2025 | $171,709 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $177,204 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $182,874 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Norfolk saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $154,546 in 2019 to $171,709 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 $182,874 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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 Norfolk
To command premium pay in Norfolk, senior actuaries should consider focusing on specialized fields such as enterprise risk management (ERM), predictive analytics, and reinsurance pricing, which significantly influence compensation structures. Employers vary in their remuneration strategies; life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife typically offer robust packages, while consulting firms like Mercer and Aon can pay higher rates for FSAs or FCAS. Career progression paths often commence as actuarial analysts, leading to certifications and ultimately roles such as managing actuary or chief actuary, allowing for potential increases in salary. Additionally, advanced credentials, achieved through rigorous passing of actuarial exams (with each exam generally translating to a $3,000 to $8,000 salary bump), further enhance earning potential. The importance of non-salary benefits—such as study time allowances and bonuses for completed exams—further aligns the compensation package with the career development of actuaries in this region.
More salary data for Norfolk, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Norfolk in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Norfolk?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Norfolk?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Norfolk?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Norfolk?
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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 $171,709 for actuaries in the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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