Senior Actuary Salary in Westerly, RI: $195,168 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Westerly, RI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $195,168/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Westerly's price premium (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $194,197 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

Securing a high-level position as an actuary in Westerly, Rhode Island, offers significant financial rewards, particularly for experienced professionals. With a median annual salary of $125,914 in 2026, senior actuaries have the potential to earn between $85,270 and $195,168, with the 75th percentile earning approximately $157,187. This indicates a sizeable experience premium, highlighting the substantial gap between the median and the top earners in local markets. Achieving top-tier compensation generally requires not only a wealth of relevant professional experience but also advanced actuarial credentials such as ASA or FSA, along with sustained progression through examinations. In comparison to national figures, where the median annual salary sits at $134,160, the top actuary salary in Westerly remains competitive, albeit slightly lower by around 6.15%, making it crucial for actuaries in the area to strategize their career progression to reach the upper echelons of pay.
About the Westerly Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Westerly
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Westerly earn between $157,187 and $195,168 per year (2026 est.). This $109,898 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Westerly median of $125,914 sits 6.15% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Westerly | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $125,914 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,187 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $195,168 | $221,983 |
In Westerly, 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 Westerly
Advanced Certifications in Rhode Island
RI actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $125,914 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Westerly employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Westerly command premium compensation, often reaching the $157,187–$195,168 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Westerly metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Westerly 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 Rhode Island 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 Westerly
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWesterly ranks #15 of 17 Rhode Island cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $195,168).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Westerly ($195,168) is 3.81% below the Rhode Island average P90 ($202,893).
2019 BLS Actual
$170,213
2025 BLS Actual
$189,116
2026 Current Est.
$195,168
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Westerly (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $170,213 | Actual |
| 2020 | $172,332 | Actual |
| 2021 | $181,836 | Actual |
| 2022 | $175,225 | Actual |
| 2023 | $184,025 | Actual |
| 2024 | $174,569 | Actual |
| 2025 | $189,116 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $195,168 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $201,413 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Westerly saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $170,213 in 2019 to $189,116 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 $201,413 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westerly 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 Westerly
Compensation for senior actuaries in Westerly is influenced significantly by specialization and employer type. Actuaries focusing on life and annuity, health, property & casualty, and enterprise risk management often command higher salaries as these areas demand advanced expertise and critical decision-making capabilities. Employers vary in pay structures, with reinsurance firms and consulting companies typically offering more aggressive salary packages compared to traditional insurers like life or health entities. Furthermore, the career advancement paths in the profession, such as moving from an actuary analyst position to managing actuary or chief actuary roles, reflect the demand for strategic leadership as well as technical skills. Additional certifications beyond ASA can enhance marketability, while factors such as study time benefits and signing bonuses for passing exams can provide non-salary incentives that bolster overall remuneration. Engaging with advanced skills in predictive analytics and data science has become increasingly important in determining job offers, making it essential for actuaries in Rhode Island to stay updated on industry trends.
More salary data for Westerly, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Westerly in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Westerly?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Westerly?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Westerly?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Westerly?
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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 $189,116 for actuaries in the Westerly 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 Westerly 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