Senior Actuary Salary in Elizabeth, NJ: $241,749 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Elizabeth, NJ — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $241,749/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Elizabeth's price premium (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $209,852 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
Exceptional earning potential awaits experienced actuaries in Elizabeth, NJ, where the 2026 median annual salary is projected to reach $155,967. Top-tier professionals aiming for the pinnacle can command impressive figures, with the 90th percentile reaching as high as $241,749. This substantial income on the higher end underscores the significant experience premium that exists in the market, emphasizing the disparity between the median salary and those at the peak. Achieving such a distinguished level of pay necessitates not only extensive industry experience—typically over seven years—but also a dedication to advancing one's credentials through rigorous exam completion. In this competitive landscape, those who specialize or transition into high-demand actuarial areas are well-positioned to maximize their earning potential.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elizabeth
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Elizabeth earn between $199,638 and $241,749 per year (2026 est.). This $143,491 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Elizabeth median of $155,967 sits 16.25% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Elizabeth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $155,967 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $199,638 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $241,749 | $221,983 |
In Elizabeth, 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 Elizabeth
Advanced Certifications in New Jersey
NJ actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $155,967 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Elizabeth employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Elizabeth command premium compensation, often reaching the $199,638–$241,749 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Elizabeth metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Elizabeth 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 New Jersey 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 Elizabeth
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedElizabeth ranks #8 of 61 New Jersey cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $241,749).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Elizabeth ($241,749) is 4.58% above the New Jersey average P90 ($231,163).
2019 BLS Actual
$210,839
2025 BLS Actual
$234,253
2026 Current Est.
$241,749
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $210,839 | Actual |
| 2020 | $213,463 | Actual |
| 2021 | $225,236 | Actual |
| 2022 | $217,046 | Actual |
| 2023 | $227,947 | Actual |
| 2024 | $255,876 | Actual |
| 2025 | $234,253 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $241,749 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $249,485 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Elizabeth saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $210,839 in 2019 to $234,253 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 $249,485 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth
Compensation for senior actuaries in Elizabeth can vary significantly based on specialization and employer type. Actuaries focusing on life and annuity, health, property and casualty (P&C), as well as enterprise risk management (ERM) and capital modeling, are in particularly high demand and often receive premium pay. Firms such as Prudential and MetLife in life insurance or UnitedHealth and Cigna in health offer different compensation trajectories compared to property and casualty insurers like State Farm and Allstate, and even reinsurance firms like Munich Re. Due to the rigorous career progression pathways, from actuarial analyst roles advancing to ASA and FSA certifications, professionals who attain these credentials typically see significant pay increases. Each passed exam commonly equates to a raise of $3,000 to $8,000. Advanced credentials, such as FSA or FCAS, enhanced by practical skills in predictive analytics, are crucial for those aiming for leadership roles or consulting practice principals where pay can dramatically exceed average figures in 2026 and beyond.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $234,253 for actuaries in the Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth 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