Senior Actuary Salary in Wilmington, NC: $194,550 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Wilmington, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $194,550/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Wilmington's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $207,853 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 Wilmington, North Carolina, the earning potential for experienced actuaries is significant, particularly for those in senior roles. In 2026, the median annual salary is projected to be $125,516, but top-tier professionals can earn as much as $194,550, with the 75th percentile at $160,661. This creates a considerable experience premium; the gap between the median and top earners highlights what it takes to thrive in this field. Achieving this level of compensation requires not only extensive experience—typically seven years or more—but also advanced credentials like the Fellowship from the Society of Actuaries (FSA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS). Furthermore, seasoned professionals must navigate complex actuarial challenges and demonstrate leadership capabilities to position themselves among Wilmington's elite earners.
About the Wilmington Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilmington
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Wilmington earn between $160,661 and $194,550 per year (2026 est.). This $116,847 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Wilmington median of $125,516 sits 6.44% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Wilmington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $125,516 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $160,661 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $194,550 | $221,983 |
In Wilmington, 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 Wilmington
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $125,516 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Wilmington employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Wilmington command premium compensation, often reaching the $160,661–$194,550 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Wilmington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWilmington ranks #14 of 43 North Carolina cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $194,550).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Wilmington ($194,550) is 4.59% below the North Carolina average P90 ($203,911).
2019 BLS Actual
$169,674
2025 BLS Actual
$188,517
2026 Current Est.
$194,550
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $169,674 | Actual |
| 2020 | $171,786 | Actual |
| 2021 | $181,260 | Actual |
| 2022 | $174,670 | Actual |
| 2023 | $183,443 | Actual |
| 2024 | $181,266 | Actual |
| 2025 | $188,517 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $194,550 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $200,775 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Wilmington saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $169,674 in 2019 to $188,517 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 $200,775 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Wilmington's job market reflects a diverse range of specializations that can command premium salaries for senior actuaries. Fields such as life and annuity, health, and property & casualty are highly lucrative, with companies like Prudential and UnitedHealth often offering competitive remuneration packages. Additionally, actuaries working in reinsurance firms such as Munich Re and consulting houses like Mercer may enjoy higher pay compared to traditional insurers. Career advancement paths are clear for those in this profession; actuaries typically progress from an actuarial analyst to Associate (ASA) and then Fellow (FSA/FCAS), which may take five to eight years. Demonstrating expertise in predictive analytics and capital modeling can further enhance one’s marketability and salary potential. Ultimately, holding advanced credentials while mastering the exam progression gives actuaries in Wilmington, NC, a solid foundation for financial success and job security.
More salary data for Wilmington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Wilmington in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Wilmington?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Wilmington?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Wilmington?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Wilmington?
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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 $188,517 for actuaries in the Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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