Senior Actuary Salary in Matthews, NC: $192,403 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Matthews, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $192,403/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Matthews's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $205,559 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
Actuaries with significant experience in Matthews, NC, can anticipate a substantial compensation trajectory in 2026, as evidenced by the top earners reaching $192,403. This represents a noteworthy distinction from the median annual salary of $124,131 and highlights the experience premium available for those who navigate their careers strategically. In Matthews, reaching this upper echelon of pay often necessitates a combination of specialized skills, such as expertise in predictive analytics or enterprise risk management, and robust credentials like the FSA designation. For actuaries who aspire to the pinnacle of their field, these qualifications are fundamental, focusing not only on core actuarial practices but also on advancing their knowledge in trending sectors that can significantly elevate their market value.
About the Matthews Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Matthews
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Matthews earn between $158,447 and $192,403 per year (2026 est.). This $116,329 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Matthews median of $124,131 sits 7.48% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Matthews | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $124,131 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,447 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $192,403 | $221,983 |
In Matthews, 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 Matthews
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $124,131 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Matthews employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Matthews command premium compensation, often reaching the $158,447–$192,403 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Matthews metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Matthews 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 Matthews
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMatthews ranks #19 of 43 North Carolina cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $192,403).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Matthews ($192,403) is 5.64% below the North Carolina average P90 ($203,911).
2019 BLS Actual
$167,802
2025 BLS Actual
$186,437
2026 Current Est.
$192,403
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Matthews (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $167,802 | Actual |
| 2020 | $169,891 | Actual |
| 2021 | $179,260 | Actual |
| 2022 | $172,742 | Actual |
| 2023 | $181,419 | Actual |
| 2024 | $179,265 | Actual |
| 2025 | $186,437 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $192,403 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $198,560 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Matthews saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $167,802 in 2019 to $186,437 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 $198,560 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Matthews 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 Matthews
A clearer understanding of senior actuary pay in NC reveals a diverse compensation landscape shaped by specialization and employer type. Actuaries focusing on life and annuity or property & casualty insurance typically see compensation dynamics influenced by major firms such as Prudential or State Farm, while those in consulting firms like Mercer or Aon might secure higher salaries due to demand for advanced predictive analytics and data science skills. Career growth pathways are well-defined, often leading from actuarial analyst roles to senior positions like chief actuary, with the ASA-to-FSA progression being a critical driver of salary increases through passed exams. Moreover, actuaries who obtain additional credentials and specialize in niche areas such as reinsurance pricing can optimize their earnings further. Non-salary benefits, including study time for exams and potential signing bonuses upon completing high-level credentials, contribute significantly to the total compensation package, making the pursuit of advanced qualifications essential for ambitious professionals in Matthews.
More salary data for Matthews, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Matthews in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Matthews?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Matthews?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Matthews?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Matthews?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 $186,437 for actuaries in the Matthews 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 Matthews 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