Senior Actuary Salary in Cottonwood Heights, UT: $200,592 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Cottonwood Heights, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $200,592/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Cottonwood Heights's price premium (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $204,477 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 Cottonwood Heights, experienced actuaries have opportunities for significant financial rewards, with the top earners reaching impressive levels of compensation. Projected for 2026, those at the 90th percentile can command salaries up to $200,592, while the 75th percentile offers a competitive $165,649. These figures illustrate the substantial experience premium: the median annual salary of $129,414 is well below the higher echelons of compensation. To ascend to such top-tier pay within this market, actuaries will likely need to cultivate specialized skills, gain substantial experience, and possibly hold advanced credentials that are prized in the industry.
About the Cottonwood Heights Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cottonwood Heights
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Cottonwood Heights earn between $165,649 and $200,592 per year (2026 est.). This $122,016 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cottonwood Heights median of $129,414 sits 3.54% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Cottonwood Heights | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $129,414 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,649 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $200,592 | $221,983 |
In Cottonwood Heights, 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 Cottonwood Heights
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $129,414 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cottonwood Heights employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Cottonwood Heights command premium compensation, often reaching the $165,649–$200,592 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cottonwood Heights metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Cottonwood Heights 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 Utah 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 Cottonwood Heights
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCottonwood Heights ranks #15 of 41 Utah cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $200,592).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Cottonwood Heights ($200,592) is 3.3% above the Utah average P90 ($194,188).
2019 BLS Actual
$174,944
2025 BLS Actual
$194,372
2026 Current Est.
$200,592
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Cottonwood Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $174,944 | Actual |
| 2020 | $177,122 | Actual |
| 2021 | $186,890 | Actual |
| 2022 | $180,095 | Actual |
| 2023 | $189,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $171,945 | Actual |
| 2025 | $194,372 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $200,592 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $207,011 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Cottonwood Heights saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $174,944 in 2019 to $194,372 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 $207,011 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cottonwood Heights 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 Cottonwood Heights
In this vibrant market, certain specializations within the actuarial profession are particularly lucrative. Actuaries focusing on life and annuity, enterprise risk management (ERM), and predictive analytics or data science often attract higher compensation in Cottonwood Heights. Furthermore, compensation varies significantly across employer types; life insurance firms like Prudential and health insurance companies such as UnitedHealth typically offer robust packages, while reinsurance and consulting firms often pay a premium for advanced fellows (FSA/FCAS). Career paths generally progress from actuarial analyst to achieving credentials like ASA, and advancing to FSA or FCAS can enhance earning potential considerably. Non-salary incentives, such as study time benefits and bonuses for credential completion, also play a key role in shaping the overall compensation package for senior actuaries in UT, reinforcing the importance of continuous professional development and specialization.
More salary data for Cottonwood Heights, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Cottonwood Heights in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Cottonwood Heights?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Cottonwood Heights?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Cottonwood Heights?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Cottonwood Heights?
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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 $194,372 for actuaries in the Cottonwood Heights 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 Cottonwood Heights 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