Senior Actuary Salary in Wausau, WI: $188,841 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Wausau, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $188,841/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Wausau's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $202,185 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, experienced actuaries in Wausau, WI, can expect substantial earnings with a median annual salary reaching $121,833. For those at the top of their game, the earning potential is significantly higher; actuaries in the 90th percentile could make as much as $188,841, which represents a considerable gap from the median and signals a robust premium for seasoned professionals with advanced skills and specializations. Attaining top-tier pay in this market requires more than just years of experience—it involves specialized expertise in high-demand areas like life and annuity, predictive analytics, or capital modeling. This differentiation not only enhances salary potential but also ensures longevity and relevance in the workforce, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and professional development in a competitive environment.
About the Wausau Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wausau
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Wausau earn between $155,946 and $188,841 per year (2026 est.). This $117,536 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Wausau median of $121,833 sits 9.19% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Wausau | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $121,833 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,946 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $188,841 | $221,983 |
In Wausau, 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 Wausau
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $121,833 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Wausau employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Wausau command premium compensation, often reaching the $155,946–$188,841 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Wausau metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Wausau 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 Wisconsin 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 Wausau
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWausau ranks #17 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $188,841).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Wausau ($188,841) is 6.89% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($202,806).
2019 BLS Actual
$164,695
2025 BLS Actual
$182,985
2026 Current Est.
$188,841
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Wausau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $164,695 | Actual |
| 2020 | $166,745 | Actual |
| 2021 | $175,941 | Actual |
| 2022 | $169,544 | Actual |
| 2023 | $178,059 | Actual |
| 2024 | $171,725 | Actual |
| 2025 | $182,985 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $188,841 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $194,883 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Wausau saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $164,695 in 2019 to $182,985 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 $194,883 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wausau 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 Wausau
Compensation for senior actuaries in Wausau is influenced by various factors, including the type of employer and the specific area of expertise. Positions within life insurance firms or health management companies tend to offer competitive salaries, while reinsurance and consulting roles often command premium pay for seasoned professionals with credentials like ASA or FSA. Senior actuaries engaged in enterprise risk management or predictive analytics can expect elevated pay rates compared to their counterparts in other domains. Moreover, the pathway to senior positions typically involves a series of accomplishments, including progression from actuarial analyst to Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) and ultimately Fellow (FSA), with each credential boosting earning potential. Notably, passing actuarial exams can lead to pay increases ranging from $3,000 to $8,000, incentivizing ongoing education and specialization to leverage higher compensation in the evolving actuarial landscape of Wausau, WI.
More salary data for Wausau, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Wausau in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Wausau?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Wausau?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Wausau?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Wausau?
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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 $182,985 for actuaries in the Wausau 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 Wausau 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