Senior Actuary Salary in Plainfield, NJ: $239,105 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Plainfield, NJ — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $239,105/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Plainfield's price premium (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $207,556 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
Significant financial opportunities await experienced actuaries in Plainfield, NJ, with the projected median annual salary of $154,261 in 2026. Senior actuaries at the top of the pay scale, specifically at the P90 level, can expect to earn as much as $239,105, indicating a rewarding experience premium that showcases the sharp contrast between median and top-tier earnings. Notably, Plainfield's highest earners enjoy compensation that exceeds the national average by approximately 14.98%. This remarkable payout is reflective of the advanced skills and proven track record that seasoned professionals possess, emphasizing the dedication to continuous education and specialization necessary to reach such elite financial heights.
About the Plainfield Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plainfield
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Plainfield earn between $197,455 and $239,105 per year (2026 est.). This $149,634 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Plainfield median of $154,261 sits 14.98% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Plainfield | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $154,261 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $197,455 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $239,105 | $221,983 |
In Plainfield, 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 Plainfield
Advanced Certifications in New Jersey
NJ actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $154,261 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Plainfield employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Plainfield command premium compensation, often reaching the $197,455–$239,105 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Plainfield metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Plainfield 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 Plainfield
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPlainfield ranks #15 of 61 New Jersey cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $239,105).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Plainfield ($239,105) is 3.44% above the New Jersey average P90 ($231,163).
2019 BLS Actual
$208,533
2025 BLS Actual
$231,691
2026 Current Est.
$239,105
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $208,533 | Actual |
| 2020 | $211,129 | Actual |
| 2021 | $222,772 | Actual |
| 2022 | $214,672 | Actual |
| 2023 | $225,454 | Actual |
| 2024 | $253,078 | Actual |
| 2025 | $231,691 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $239,105 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $246,756 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Plainfield saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $208,533 in 2019 to $231,691 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 $246,756 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plainfield 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 Plainfield
The senior actuary pay landscape in Plainfield can vary significantly based on sector specialization. Actuaries working in life and annuity sectors, health insurance, property and casualty (P&C) insurance, and enterprise risk management tend to command higher salaries due to their specialized knowledge and skills. Companies such as Prudential and MetLife offer competitive pay for actuaries focusing on life and retirement services, while health insurers like UnitedHealth and Cigna also recognize the value of actuarial expertise in managing risk. Additionally, advancement pathways remain robust, with roles progressing from actuarial analyst to Chief Actuary or consulting principal, especially for those who obtain FSA or FCAS credentials. Each exam passed within the accreditation journey can yield substantial pay increases, often ranging from $3,000 to $8,000. This recognition of both educational attainment and sector specialization plays a pivotal role in determining compensation levels, offering multiple avenues for career growth and financial success in New Jersey's actuarial market.
More salary data for Plainfield, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Plainfield in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Plainfield?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Plainfield?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Plainfield?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Plainfield?
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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 $231,691 for actuaries in the Plainfield 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 Plainfield 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