FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Actuary Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$253,948/yr
Typical range: $213,736 – $282,710
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Actuary salary by experience level in Chicago
Actuary Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $97,190 | $8,099 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $125,406 | $10,451 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $146,307 | $12,192 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $176,196 | $14,683 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $253,948 | $21,162 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $345,495 | $28,791 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $368,381 | $30,698 | +279% |
Current Salary
$253,948
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $122/hr
Next Level Target
$345,495
Principal · 14
+$92Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
50/100
Moderate
+20% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Actuary salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Actuarys in Chicago, IL earn approximately $254K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Actuary make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $254K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $122/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Actuary in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Actuary in Chicago, IL earns $214K–$283K/yr.