Senior Actuary Salary in Cleveland, TN: $186,451 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Cleveland, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $186,451/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Cleveland's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $203,106 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, seasoned actuaries in Cleveland, Tennessee, can expect robust compensation opportunities. The median annual salary for experienced actuaries is projected at $120,291, with top earners commanding an impressive $186,451 at the 90th percentile. This significant disparity highlights the advantages of experience, as senior actuaries can bridge the gap from the median to top-tier pay through strategic career moves. Reaching this elite salary level necessitates advanced qualifications, including obtaining Fellowship status (FSA or FCAS) and gaining expertise in areas such as predictive analytics or capital modeling, which are highly valued in the marketplace. Cleveland's top-tier salaries, while slightly below the national median of $134,160, reflect the area's unique economic conditions and the specialized skill sets in demand.
About the Cleveland Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Cleveland earn between $153,972 and $186,451 per year (2026 est.). This $108,461 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cleveland median of $120,291 sits 10.34% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Cleveland | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $120,291 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,972 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $186,451 | $221,983 |
In Cleveland, 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 Cleveland
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $120,291 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cleveland employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Cleveland command premium compensation, often reaching the $153,972–$186,451 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cleveland metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Cleveland 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 Tennessee 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 Cleveland
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCleveland ranks #18 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $186,451).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Cleveland ($186,451) is 22.88% below the Tennessee average P90 ($241,761).
2019 BLS Actual
$162,611
2025 BLS Actual
$180,670
2026 Current Est.
$186,451
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $162,611 | Actual |
| 2020 | $164,636 | Actual |
| 2021 | $173,715 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,399 | Actual |
| 2023 | $175,807 | Actual |
| 2024 | $159,824 | Actual |
| 2025 | $180,670 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $186,451 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $192,418 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Cleveland saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $162,611 in 2019 to $180,670 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 $192,418 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland 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 Cleveland
Compensation for senior actuaries in Cleveland varies considerably based on specialization and employer type. Actuaries with expertise in life and annuity, health, and property & casualty markets tend to earn higher salaries, particularly when employed by leading firms such as Prudential or State Farm. Consulting firms like Aon and Mercer also offer competitive pay, especially for FSAs who are adept in data science and predictive analytics, reflecting a growing trend in the actuarial profession. The pathway to higher compensation typically involves significant professional advancement, beginning as an actuarial analyst, progressing to Associate status (ASA), and culminating in Fellowship (FSA or FCAS). This journey often spans years, marked by the completion of multiple exams – each passed exam frequently yields an increase in salary by $3,000 to $8,000. Non-salary compensation factors, such as study time benefits and signing bonuses for credential completions, further enhance the earning potential for experienced actuaries navigating their careers in Cleveland and the broader TN market.
More salary data for Cleveland, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Cleveland in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Cleveland?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Cleveland?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Cleveland?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Cleveland?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 $180,670 for actuaries in the Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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