Actuary Pay

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.

$176,989
Top 10% Earn
$85.09/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$146,159
75th Percentile
$176,989
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Actuary Senior Salary in Papillion, NE — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Papillion, NE actuary senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for actuarys in Papillion. The median salary is $114,187, compared to the national median of $134,160.$69.0K$98.2K$127.4K$156.6K$185.8K$76.7K10th Pctl$90.0K25th Pctl$114.2KMedian$146.2K75th Pctl$177.0K90th PctlUS Median$134.2K

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.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of actuary pay in the Papillion metro area.

Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison

LevelPapillionNational
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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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 years
$76,691 – $114,187

Senior/Lead Actuary

5-10 years
$114,187 – $146,159

Actuary Department Manager

10+ years
$146,159+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Papillion 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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for actuaries in Papillion. Baseline $154,359 in 2025, projected to $182,653 by 2027.$148.7K$158.6K$168.5K$178.4K$188.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$154.4K$156.3K$164.9K$158.9K$166.9K$155.5K$171.5K$177.0K$182.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$154,359Actual
2020$156,280Actual
2021$164,899Actual
2022$158,904Actual
2023$166,885Actual
2024$155,503Actual
2025$171,501Actual
2026(current)$176,989Estimated
2027$182,653Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Papillion metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced actuaries make in Papillion in 2026?

Top-earning actuaries in Papillion (90th percentile) make $176,989/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.20% annual growth). This is $62,802 more than the area median of $114,187 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior actuaries typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher actuary pay in Papillion?

Higher actuary pay in Papillion is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost actuary salary in Papillion?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for actuaries in Papillion include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $114,187, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Papillion?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Papillion is $176,989, well above $100K. Actuaries with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does actuary salary increase over time in Papillion?

In Papillion, the gap between entry level ($76,691) and top earners ($176,989) is $100,298, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

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MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Patel, ASA, MAAAData verified by Aisha Khan, FSA, CERA

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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