Senior Actuary Salary in South Burlington, VT: $169,714 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in South Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $169,714/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back South Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $163,975 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 South Burlington, VT, a senior actuary can expect a median annual salary of $109,493 in 2026, with exceptional performers earning up to $169,714. This top-tier earning potential highlights a significant gap between the median and the uppermost echelon in the profession, emphasizing the experience premium attributed to seasoned professionals. Achieving such a high salary typically requires more than just years in the field; it often entails advanced specializations, professional certifications such as FSA or FCAS, and possibly leadership roles within actuarial teams or consulting firms. Those who navigate the complex certification landscape—passing rigorous actuarial exams and fulfilling VEE requirements—tend to stand out in South Burlington’s job market, positioning themselves effectively to command the best compensation in 2026.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Burlington
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in South Burlington earn between $140,151 and $169,714 per year (2026 est.). This $103,079 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The South Burlington median of $109,493 sits 18.39% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | South Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $109,493 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,151 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $169,714 | $221,983 |
In South Burlington, 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 South Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $109,493 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by South Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in South Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $140,151–$169,714 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the South Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in South Burlington 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 Vermont 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 South Burlington
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSouth Burlington ranks #4 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $169,714).
Top 10% actuary compensation in South Burlington ($169,714) is 0.35% above the Vermont average P90 ($169,124).
2019 BLS Actual
$148,014
2025 BLS Actual
$164,452
2026 Current Est.
$169,714
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $148,014 | Actual |
| 2020 | $149,857 | Actual |
| 2021 | $158,122 | Actual |
| 2022 | $152,372 | Actual |
| 2023 | $160,025 | Actual |
| 2024 | $174,301 | Actual |
| 2025 | $164,452 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,714 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $175,145 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in South Burlington saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $148,014 in 2019 to $164,452 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 $175,145 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Burlington 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 South Burlington
At the senior level, actuaries who specialize in high-demand areas such as life and annuity, enterprise risk management, and predictive analytics genuinely position themselves for elevated pay in South Burlington. Employers vary significantly, with health insurance firms like UnitedHealth or Cigna often offering different compensation packages compared to property and casualty insurers like Allstate and State Farm. Consulting firms such as Mercer and Milliman frequently provide lucrative salaries and bonuses linked to the completion of exams and credential levels. Advancement from ASA through FSA can take several years of dedicated study, each exam passed adding notable increments to salary. Furthermore, senior actuaries who manage teams or lead projects can expect increased earning potential, bolstered by the high-value skills they possess, particularly those in emerging areas like data science. This strategic positioning is critical in a market where the average annual salary for actuaries lags behind the national median, asserting the importance of specialization and leadership in maximizing professional worth in the field.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in South Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in South Burlington?
What certifications boost actuary salary in South Burlington?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in South Burlington?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in South Burlington?
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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 $164,452 for actuaries in the South Burlington 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 South Burlington 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