Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Peoria, AZ: $78,332 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Peoria, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,332 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peoria's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,525 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($135,055) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the actuarial field in Peoria, Arizona, the entry-level actuary salary is pegged at around $78,332 in 2026. While this starting pay might initially seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $135,055, it lays the groundwork for a significant income trajectory. Over the first three to five years, early-career professionals can expect their earnings to grow towards $97,738 as they gain experience and certifications. Given Peoria's steady demand for actuarial talent and its favorable cost of living index of 98.5, new grads will find a conducive market for launching their careers. It's a well-timed entry into a field that not only compensates adequately but also offers substantial growth opportunities for diligent individuals willing to navigate the exam process.
About the Peoria Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peoria
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 Peoria
Entry-level actuarys in Peoria, AZ typically start between $78,332 and $97,738 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $131,003 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $135,055 — 0.67% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Arizona of $48,000 represents just 61.28% of the starting actuary pay ($78,332/year) in Peoria. 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 Peoria
- 1Research the Peoria market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $78,332 to $97,738, 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 Peoria, 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 Peoria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peoria'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 Peoria is $131,003 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,332, experienced hygienists can earn up to $209,335.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,658
2025 BLS Actual
$75,903
2026 Current Est.
$78,332
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,658 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,789 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,113 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,324 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,821 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,145 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,903 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,332 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,839 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Peoria, AZ grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,658 in 2019 to $75,903 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,839. New graduates entering the Peoria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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 Peoria
===
In Peoria, several employers actively recruit entry-level actuaries, including major life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, which often hire graduates through targeted programs with structured support for exam preparation. Health insurance firms and consulting companies, such as Milliman and Mercer, also seek out new talent, particularly those with Associate credentials. To enhance starting salaries in Arizona, candidates should focus on obtaining a degree in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science, as well as passing initial actuarial exams that prove their skills. Early career strategies should prioritize exam progression since each successfully completed exam can result in a salary bump of $3,000 to $8,000. Within the first three years, with the right mix of qualifications and exam success, new graduates in Peoria can anticipate their compensation to grow markedly, especially when aiming for higher-level designations that command premium wages in both consulting and insurance environments.
More salary data for Peoria, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Peoria in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Peoria?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Peoria?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Peoria?
How do I become a actuary in Arizona?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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 Peoria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Peoria 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