Senior Actuary Salary in Syracuse, NY: $216,379 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Syracuse, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $216,379/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Syracuse's price premium (BEA RPP 95.7, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $226,002 in average-cost America. The 107% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Syracuse, NY, the potential for high earnings among senior actuaries is substantial, with top earners expected to command salaries as high as $216,379 by 2026. This figure, representing the 90th percentile, reflects a significant premium relative to the median annual salary of $104,676 for experienced actuaries in the area. Although the median compensation is lower than the national median of $134,160, the experience premium in Syracuse is clear. To reach the upper echelons of income, actuaries must typically accumulate a decade of experience and often pursue advanced education and certifications, such as becoming a Fellow (FSA/FCAS), which enhances both their marketability and earning potential.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Syracuse
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Syracuse earn between $165,192 and $216,379 per year (2026 est.). This $162,839 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Syracuse median of $104,676 sits 21.98% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Syracuse | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $104,676 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,192 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $216,379 | $221,983 |
In Syracuse, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 106.71% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Syracuse
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $104,676 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Syracuse employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Syracuse command premium compensation, often reaching the $165,192–$216,379 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Syracuse metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Syracuse 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 York 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 Syracuse
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSyracuse ranks #37 of 38 New York cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $216,379).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Syracuse ($216,379) is 20.96% below the New York average P90 ($273,757).
2019 BLS Actual
$164,760
2025 BLS Actual
$209,670
2026 Current Est.
$216,379
2019–2027 Growth
+35.5%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Syracuse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $164,760 | Actual |
| 2020 | $156,620 | Actual |
| 2021 | $168,240 | Actual |
| 2022 | $183,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $176,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $177,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $209,670 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $216,379 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $223,304 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Syracuse saw their compensation grow 27.3% from $164,760 in 2019 to $209,670 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 $223,304 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Syracuse 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 Syracuse
Salaries for senior actuaries in Syracuse can vary significantly based on industry specialization and employer type. Areas like life and annuity, health, and property & casualty (P&C) show particularly strong compensation trends, with firms such as UnitedHealth and Prudential often offering attractive packages for those with niche expertise, including enterprise risk management (ERM) and predictive analytics. Senior actuaries in consulting firms like Mercer or Aon can also expect competitive pay, especially those holding prestigious credentials like FSA or FCAS. Advancing in this career often involves progressing through levels like actuarial analyst and ASA to the FSA designation, where each successful exam can increase base salary by $3,000 to $8,000. Additionally, non-salary compensation, including signing bonuses and study time benefits, plays a significant role in overall remuneration, further highlighting the impact of credentials on the experienced actuary salary in Syracuse.
More salary data for Syracuse, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Syracuse in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Syracuse?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Syracuse?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Syracuse?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Syracuse?
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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 $209,670 for actuaries in the Syracuse 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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