As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Actuary in the United States is $80,901 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, an Entry Level Actuary's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Level Actuary's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Level Actuary's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Actuary | 0-2 years | $80,828 |
| Actuarial Analyst II | 2-4 years | $90,099 |
| Actuarial Analyst III | 4-7 years | $105,812 |
| Actuarial Analyst IV | 7+ years | $140,833 |
| Actuarial Analyst V | 7-10 years | $164,965 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Level Actuaries. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 9.91% |
| Economics | 2.2% |
| Collective Bargaining | 1.06% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
SAS/SQL
|
$86,564 |
7%
|
|
Time Management
|
$85,755 |
6%
|
|
Coaching
|
$85,755 |
6%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$83,328 |
3%
|
|
Reinsurance
|
$83,328 |
3%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$83,328 |
3%
|
Entry Level Actuary salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $90,564. While startup companies pay approximate $76,615.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $76,615 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $81,029 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $87,456 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $90,564 |
For Entry Level Actuary roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Entry Level Actuary positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Level Actuary as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $113,261 | $54.0 | 40% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $105,171 | $51.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $101,126 | $49.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $93,036 | $45.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $88,991 | $43.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Level Actuaries enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Level Actuary with a Associate's Degree is between $75,200 and $80,147).
Entry Level Actuary Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.7% |
| High School | 8.9% |
| Associates | 3.9% |
| Bachelors | 64.0% |
| Masters | 20.5% |
| Doctorate | 2.1% |
Understanding how an Entry Level Actuary's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Level Actuary, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Actuarial Analyst II | $90,100 | 11% |
| Actuarial Operations Assistant II | $88,900 | 10% |
Salaries for an Entry Level Actuary can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $75,691 in 2023 to around $74,763 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Level Actuary salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $75,691 |
| 2024 | $75,756 |
| 2025 | $74,763 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Level Actuary roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
The highest-paying actuary roles include Actuarial Director, with salaries ranging from $142,500 to $211,500, and Pricing Actuary, earning between $120,000 and $188,000. For entry-level positions, salaries typically range from $72,801 to $89,801, with a midpoint of $81,501, reflecting the starting point for a rewarding career in actuarial science.
Despite a projected growth rate of 21% from 2021 to 2031 and around 2,400 job openings annually, the actuarial profession faces a talent shortage. Entry-level actuaries can expect salaries ranging from $72,801 to $89,801, highlighting the demand for skilled professionals in this critical field. The ongoing talent crisis poses challenges for the industry.
A good GPA for an actuary is typically above 3.0, as recruiters view it as a key factor in candidate evaluation. With entry-level actuary salaries ranging from $72,801 to $89,801, a strong academic record can enhance your prospects for securing a competitive position in this field.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for actuaries is projected to increase 21% from 2021 to 2031, significantly outpacing the average occupation. This supply gap is exacerbated by appealing opportunities in related fields like data science. Entry-level actuaries can expect salaries ranging from $72,801 to $89,801, making the profession increasingly attractive.
An entry-level actuary typically starts as an actuarial assistant, associate actuary, or actuarial trainee. Responsibilities include analyzing data, developing equations and algorithms for calculations, and preparing reports for a supervising actuary. The salary for entry-level actuaries ranges from $72,801 to $89,801, with a mid-salary of $81,501.
Actuarial Science is known for its challenging curriculum, requiring strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of mathematics and statistics. Entry-level actuaries can expect salaries ranging from $72,801 to $89,801, reflecting the high demand for expertise in managing risk and uncertainty in various industries.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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