Senior Actuary Salary in Wilson, NC: $186,587 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Wilson, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $186,587/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Wilson's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $199,345 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 2026, Wilson, NC presents a lucrative opportunity for experienced actuaries, especially those at the top of their game. Senior actuary pay can reach impressive levels, with the 90th percentile earning around $186,587 annually, far exceeding the median salary of $120,379. This significant gap highlights the potential for top earners in this market to capitalize on their experience, ultimately leading to compensation that reflects their expertise and contributions. Achieving this level of pay requires not only extensive experience in the field—typically over seven years—but also a commitment to continuous professional development and specialization in high-demand areas.
About the Wilson Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilson
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Wilson earn between $154,085 and $186,587 per year (2026 est.). This $108,492 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Wilson median of $120,379 sits 10.27% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Wilson | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $120,379 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,085 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $186,587 | $221,983 |
In Wilson, 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 Wilson
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $120,379 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Wilson employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Wilson command premium compensation, often reaching the $154,085–$186,587 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Wilson metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Wilson 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 Wilson
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWilson ranks #38 of 43 North Carolina cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $186,587).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Wilson ($186,587) is 8.5% below the North Carolina average P90 ($203,911).
2019 BLS Actual
$162,729
2025 BLS Actual
$180,801
2026 Current Est.
$186,587
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Wilson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $162,729 | Actual |
| 2020 | $164,755 | Actual |
| 2021 | $173,841 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,520 | Actual |
| 2023 | $175,934 | Actual |
| 2024 | $173,848 | Actual |
| 2025 | $180,801 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $186,587 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $192,557 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Wilson saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $162,729 in 2019 to $180,801 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 $192,557 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilson 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 Wilson
Senior actuaries in Wilson can further boost their earning potential by focusing on niches that command premium salaries, such as life and annuity, pension and retirement, or enterprise risk management. The differences in compensation across employer types are notable; those employed by consulting firms like Mercer or Aon tend to receive higher salaries than their counterparts in traditional insurance companies. Advancement paths, such as progressing from ASA to FSA, are not just about obtaining credentials but also about strategic positioning within the industry. Holding advanced certifications like ASA or FSA greatly enhances one's marketability and aligns with the increasing demand for skills in predictive analytics and data science. Non-salary compensation, such as bonuses for passing exams or study time benefits, also plays a crucial role in the overall financial landscape for experienced actuaries in this region, making Wilson an appealing market for those in pursuit of top-tier pay.
More salary data for Wilson, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Wilson in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Wilson?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Wilson?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Wilson?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Wilson?
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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 $180,801 for actuaries in the Wilson 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 Wilson 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