Senior Actuary Salary in Papillion, NE: $176,989 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Papillion, NE — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $176,989/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Papillion's price premium (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $193,431 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, top earners in the actuarial profession in Papillion, Nebraska, can anticipate a salary of up to $176,989, significantly outpacing the median annual salary of $114,187. Not only does this represent an appealing financial incentive for seasoned actuaries, but it also highlights the notable experience premium in the market. Those vying for the highest salary brackets must have extensive experience of seven years or more, possibly combined with specialized skills such as predictive analytics or enterprise risk management. When compared with the national top-tier salary of $134,160, Papillion’s figures still offer competitive incentives, especially for those practitioners prepared to navigate advanced actuarial roles and additional credentialing paths.
About the Papillion Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Papillion
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Papillion earn between $146,159 and $176,989 per year (2026 est.). This $100,298 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Papillion median of $114,187 sits 14.89% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Papillion | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $114,187 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,159 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $176,989 | $221,983 |
In Papillion, 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 Papillion
Advanced Certifications in Nebraska
NE actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $114,187 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Papillion employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Papillion command premium compensation, often reaching the $146,159–$176,989 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Papillion metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Papillion 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 Papillion
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPapillion ranks #12 of 13 Nebraska cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $176,989).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Papillion ($176,989) is 5.35% below the Nebraska average P90 ($186,987).
2019 BLS Actual
$154,359
2025 BLS Actual
$171,501
2026 Current Est.
$176,989
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Papillion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $154,359 | Actual |
| 2020 | $156,280 | Actual |
| 2021 | $164,899 | Actual |
| 2022 | $158,904 | Actual |
| 2023 | $166,885 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,503 | Actual |
| 2025 | $171,501 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $176,989 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $182,653 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Papillion saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $154,359 in 2019 to $171,501 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 $182,653 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Papillion 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 Papillion
To achieve senior actuary pay in NE, professionals often choose specialized focuses that command higher compensation. Areas like health insurance, property & casualty, and enterprise risk management offer distinct advantages due to their differing risk profiles and demand cycles. Employment type influences these figures; actuaries at consulting firms such as Mercer and Aon might receive premium pay relative to their counterparts in traditional life insurance entities like Prudential or MetLife. Advancement within this career typically involves progressing from an actuarial analyst to gaining credentials such as ASA or FSA, where each additional exam passed can translate to a pay increase of $3,000 to $8,000. The pathway from ASA to FSA generally spans five to eight years of rigorous examination, rewarding dedication with substantial salary boosts for completing the requirements. Non-salary benefits, such as study time packages or signing bonuses, further enhance the appeal of pursuing credentials in this evolving actuarial market in Papillion.
More salary data for Papillion, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Papillion in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Papillion?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Papillion?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Papillion?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Papillion?
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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 $171,501 for actuaries in the Papillion 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 Papillion 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