Senior Actuary Salary in Kearny, NJ: $231,747 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Kearny, NJ — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $231,747/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Kearny's price premium (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $201,169 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 Kearny, New Jersey, the potential for experienced actuaries to achieve significant financial rewards is promising, especially for those reaching the top of their field. By 2026, top-tier actuaries are projected to earn up to $231,747 annually (P90), while those in the 75th percentile can expect around $190,281. This stark contrast between the median salary of $149,514 and the highest earnings emphasizes the experience premium that seasoned professionals can attain. Advancing to this elite salary tier often requires seven or more years of experience, demonstrating expertise in complex actuarial techniques and a commitment to continued education, particularly through the Society of Actuaries (SOA) exam progression.
About the Kearny Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearny
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Kearny earn between $190,281 and $231,747 per year (2026 est.). This $132,679 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kearny median of $149,514 sits 11.44% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Kearny | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $149,514 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $190,281 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $231,747 | $221,983 |
In Kearny, 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 Kearny
Advanced Certifications in New Jersey
NJ actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $149,514 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kearny employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Kearny command premium compensation, often reaching the $190,281–$231,747 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kearny metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Kearny 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 Kearny
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKearny ranks #46 of 61 New Jersey cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $231,747).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Kearny ($231,747) is 0.25% above the New Jersey average P90 ($231,163).
2019 BLS Actual
$202,115
2025 BLS Actual
$224,561
2026 Current Est.
$231,747
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $202,115 | Actual |
| 2020 | $204,631 | Actual |
| 2021 | $215,917 | Actual |
| 2022 | $208,066 | Actual |
| 2023 | $218,516 | Actual |
| 2024 | $245,289 | Actual |
| 2025 | $224,561 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $231,747 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $239,163 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Kearny saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $202,115 in 2019 to $224,561 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 $239,163 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearny 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 Kearny
Specializations play a critical role in determining senior actuary pay in NJ, especially in Kearny. Candidates focusing on life and annuity, health, property & casualty (P&C), and enterprise risk management (ERM) tend to command higher salaries, reflecting the specific demands of these fields. Companies hiring senior actuaries, such as Prudential, MetLife, and UnitedHealth, present varied compensation packages, with consulting firms generally offering premium pay for those holding advanced credentials like FSA or FCAS. The career trajectory typically follows a clear path from actuarial analyst to associate status (ASA), then progressing to fellow (FSA) while striving for top roles like managing actuary. With advanced designations and specialization in sought-after areas such as predictive analytics and reinsurance, these professionals can further enhance their earning potential and job security in a competitive market.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Kearny in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Kearny?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Kearny?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Kearny?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Kearny?
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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 $224,561 for actuaries in the Kearny 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 Kearny 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