Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Florence, AZ: $76,894 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Florence, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,894 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Florence's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,065 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($128,998) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the actuarial field in Florence, Arizona, can expect a starting salary around the 10th percentile of $76,894. This figure represents a notable gap compared to the city's median annual salary of $128,998, suggesting that entry-level positions may not fully reflect the earning potential found within the profession over time. However, aspiring actuaries have a clear growth trajectory as they progress: within just a few years, entry-level salaries can rise to approximately $94,862 at the 25th percentile. Thus, Florence presents a viable market for new graduates, especially with an industry projected growth rate of 3.20%, allowing for substantial salary increases as individuals gain experience and qualifications.
About the Florence Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Florence
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Florence
Entry-level actuarys in Florence, AZ typically start between $76,894 and $94,862 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $123,053 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $128,998 — 3.85% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Arizona of $48,000 represents just 62.42% of the starting actuary pay ($76,894/year) in Florence. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover bachelor's degree tuition at public and private universities, plus estimated actuarial exam fees and study materials. Employers often cover exam costs once employed.
ASA, FSA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Florence
- 1Research the Florence market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $76,894 to $94,862, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the actuarial science field — employers in AZ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Florence, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Florence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Florence's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Florence is $123,053 ( 160.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,894, experienced hygienists can earn up to $199,947.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,508
2025 BLS Actual
$74,510
2026 Current Est.
$76,894
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,508 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,618 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,991 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,052 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,485 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,212 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,894 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,355 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Florence, AZ grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,508 in 2019 to $74,510 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,355. New graduates entering the Florence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Florence 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.
Starting Your actuarial science Career in Florence
Employers in Florence that typically recruit entry-level actuaries include major life insurance companies and consulting firms. Organizations such as Prudential, MetLife, and Mercer actively seek candidates from actuarial programs, often providing structured exam preparation time for employees while they complete necessary qualifications. Education is crucial for enhancing starting actuary salaries in AZ; candidates with a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, math, or finance have a competitive edge. Furthermore, obtaining academic credits under the Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) can boost prospects. Passing actuarial exams from the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) significantly influences pay, with each exam typically adding $3,000 to $8,000 to base salaries. Realistically, in the early career years, actuaries can expect to see a steady increase in their entry-level salary as they work towards associate or fellow credentials, setting the stage for higher earnings as they move into positions that demand specialized skills, including those related to predictive analytics and data science.
More salary data for Florence, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is actuarial science school worth it in Florence?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new actuarial science graduates. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Florence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Florence 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