Senior Actuary Salary in Cary, NC: $226,349 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Cary, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $226,349/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Cary's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $241,826 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
Salaries for senior actuaries in Cary, North Carolina reveal significant earning potential, particularly for top-tier professionals. In 2026, the median annual salary for experienced actuaries is projected to reach $146,031, while those in the 90th percentile can expect to earn as much as $226,349. This figure not only highlights an impressive earning capacity within the local market but also positions Cary's top earners above the national average for actuaries, which stands at $134,160. The substantial gap between the median salary and the highest earners demonstrates the experience premium available to those who excel in their careers. Professionals aiming to achieve this level of compensation typically require a combination of advanced credentials, extensive experience, and specialization in high-demand areas within the actuarial field.
About the Cary Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cary
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Cary earn between $186,920 and $226,349 per year (2026 est.). This $134,809 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cary median of $146,031 sits 8.85% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Cary | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $146,031 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $186,920 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $226,349 | $221,983 |
In Cary, 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 Cary
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $146,031 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cary employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Cary command premium compensation, often reaching the $186,920–$226,349 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cary metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Cary 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 North Carolina 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 Cary
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCary ranks #1 of 43 North Carolina cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $226,349).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Cary ($226,349) is 11% above the North Carolina average P90 ($203,911).
2019 BLS Actual
$197,407
2025 BLS Actual
$219,330
2026 Current Est.
$226,349
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Cary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $197,407 | Actual |
| 2020 | $199,865 | Actual |
| 2021 | $210,887 | Actual |
| 2022 | $203,219 | Actual |
| 2023 | $213,426 | Actual |
| 2024 | $182,292 | Actual |
| 2025 | $219,330 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $226,349 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $233,592 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Cary saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $197,407 in 2019 to $219,330 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 $233,592 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cary 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 Cary
Many factors contribute to the variations in senior actuary compensation across Cary, NC. Specializations such as life and annuity, health, and enterprise risk management not only command higher salaries but also reflect the evolving demands within the industry. Employers in life insurance, managed care, and consulting firms, such as Prudential and Mercer, tend to offer more competitive pay packages compared to traditional property and casualty insurance companies. Navigating the path from actuarial analyst to chief actuary or consulting practice principal positions professionals favorably for upper-tier salaries. Attaining advanced credentials such as ASA or FSA—and successfully passing requisite exams—provides substantial salary increases, often driving pay higher with each achievement. Moreover, non-salary compensation, such as incentives for exam progression and specialty market expertise, further sweetens the deal for Cary's top actuaries, allowing them to optimize their earnings and build rewarding careers in the state.
More salary data for Cary, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Cary in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Cary?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Cary?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Cary?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Cary?
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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 $219,330 for actuaries in the Cary 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 Cary 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