Senior Actuary Salary in Leland, NC: $180,743 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Leland, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $180,743/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Leland's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $193,101 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 Leland, North Carolina, senior actuaries are poised to earn competitive salaries with significant potential for top-tier compensation. The 2026 data estimates an annual median salary of $116,609 for experienced professionals, showcasing a clear path to higher earnings. Those who achieve the 90th percentile can expect to earn as much as $180,743, offering a compelling incentive for actuaries to enhance their skill sets and ascend within their organizations. This upper echelon of salaries highlights the gap between median pay and top earnings, demonstrating that actuaries with specialized skills and extensive experience can secure substantial financial rewards. As the market evolves, attaining a high level of expertise, mastering advanced actuarial techniques, and obtaining the Fellow designation can be critical steps toward achieving the highest salary brackets in this field.
About the Leland Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leland
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Leland earn between $149,259 and $180,743 per year (2026 est.). This $102,759 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Leland median of $116,609 sits 13.08% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Leland | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $116,609 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,259 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $180,743 | $221,983 |
In Leland, 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 Leland
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $116,609 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Leland employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Leland command premium compensation, often reaching the $149,259–$180,743 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Leland metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Leland 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 Leland
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLeland ranks #41 of 43 North Carolina cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $180,743).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Leland ($180,743) is 11.36% below the North Carolina average P90 ($203,911).
2019 BLS Actual
$157,633
2025 BLS Actual
$175,139
2026 Current Est.
$180,743
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Leland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $157,633 | Actual |
| 2020 | $159,596 | Actual |
| 2021 | $168,397 | Actual |
| 2022 | $162,274 | Actual |
| 2023 | $170,425 | Actual |
| 2024 | $167,879 | Actual |
| 2025 | $175,139 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $180,743 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $186,527 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Leland saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $157,633 in 2019 to $175,139 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 $186,527 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leland 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 Leland
Navigating senior actuary pay in NC reveals the importance of specializations that significantly boost earning potential. Areas such as life and annuity, predictive analytics, and enterprise risk management command premium salaries in Leland, often attracting top talent to engage in these lucrative fields. Compensation varies across employer types; consulting firms like Mercer and Aon often offer higher pay compared to traditional insurers like State Farm and Progressive. Advancement in this profession typically involves a rigorous exam progression, with the ASA-to-FSA transition taking several years of diligent study and effort. Those who achieve advanced credentials such as FSA or FCAS often find themselves leading teams or influencing strategy at major firms. Furthermore, non-salary benefits, such as signing bonuses for completed exams and tailored frameworks for study-time compensation, contribute significantly to the overall remuneration package. By pursuing these pathways, actuaries in Leland can strategically position themselves for enhanced career mobility and better compensation.
More salary data for Leland, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Leland in 2026?
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What certifications boost actuary salary in Leland?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Leland?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Leland?
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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 $175,139 for actuaries in the Leland 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 Leland 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