As we move through 2025, the role of actuaries continues to be both in-demand and financially rewarding. Whether you’re an aspiring actuary or a seasoned professional looking to benchmark your earnings, understanding the factors that influence actuarial salaries is essential. This article explores the average actuary salary in 2025, salary by experience, industry insights, and more.
What is the Average Actuary Salary in 2025?
In 2025, the average salary for an actuary in the United States is approximately $113,000 per year. Entry-level actuaries typically earn around $70,000, while experienced actuaries in senior roles can command well over $160,000 annually. Specialized roles such as a Senior Lead Navigator at companies like Auxano or actuaries with consulting experience may even reach $180,000 or more, depending on location and responsibilities.
Salary by Experience Level
Actuarial compensation grows significantly with experience, certifications, and technical skills:
Entry-Level (0–2 years): $65,000 – $85,000
Mid-Level (3–5 years): $85,000 – $110,000
Senior-Level (6–10 years): $110,000 – $145,000
Lead or Executive Actuaries (10+ years): $145,000 – $190,000+
Actuaries working in finance, consulting, or tech sectors often earn on the higher end of these ranges.
Factors That Influence Actuary Salary
Several key factors affect how much an actuary earns in 2025:
1. Location
Actuaries in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago tend to earn higher due to demand and cost of living.
Remote and hybrid work has started to even out pay disparities slightly across states.
2. Certifications
Advancing through exams administered by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) significantly boosts earning potential.
Holding the FSA (Fellow of the Society of Actuaries) or FCAS (Fellow of the CAS) can raise salaries by $20,000–$40,000 over ASA or ACAS levels.
3. Industry
Insurance remains the largest employer, but financial services, healthcare analytics, and tech firms are increasingly hiring actuaries at premium salaries.
For example, actuaries in investment firms or hedge funds may earn bonuses that push total compensation above $200,000.
4. Job Role
Analysts and associates earn the least, while roles like Senior Lead Navigator or Chief Actuary offer top-tier pay.
Managerial and leadership roles often include profit-sharing and performance bonuses.
Job Market Trends for Actuaries in 2025
The demand for actuaries continues to grow due to evolving risks in insurance, climate change, cybersecurity, and finance.
Key Trends:
High demand for data science skills: Actuaries with Python, R, or machine learning skills earn more.
Diversification across industries: More roles in tech, health informatics, and environmental risk.
Remote and flexible work: Increasingly common and attractive to new talent.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects actuarial job growth of 23% between 2021 and 2031, much faster than average.
Education and Certifications That Impact Salary
To enter the actuarial field, a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, actuarial science, or finance is standard. However, your salary will significantly increase as you progress through certification paths.
Important Certifications:
Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA)
Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA)
Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst (CERA)
Associate/Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (ACAS/FCAS)
Each passed exam and certification milestone often leads to immediate salary increases and promotions.
Take-Home Pay on a $103K Salary
If you’re making $103,000 a year, here’s what you might take home:
Federal Tax (est.): ~$14,000
State Tax (varies): ~$3,000 – $6,000
Social Security & Medicare: ~$7,800
Net Take-Home: Around $75,000–$78,000 annually, or $6,200–$6,500/month
Take-home pay can vary based on deductions, location, and benefits.
Benefits of Being an Actuary
Aside from high salaries, actuaries enjoy:
Job security and low unemployment
Lucrative bonuses and 401(k) matches
Hybrid or remote work flexibility
Intellectually rewarding work
Conclusion: Is an Actuary Career Worth It in 2025?
Absolutely. With competitive salaries, excellent job outlook, and high levels of job satisfaction, the actuarial profession remains one of the most desirable in finance and data analytics. Investing in education and certification pays off handsomely, especially in today’s evolving economy.