Entry-Level Actuary Salary in North Little Rock, AR: $61,068 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the North Little Rock, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,068 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out North Little Rock's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,274 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($98,446) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the actuarial field in North Little Rock, Arkansas, the starting actuary salary in 2026 is projected at $61,068, significantly below the median annual salary of $98,446 for the area. Entry-level professionals should remain realistic about their earnings and understand the growth potential in their early careers. Over the first three to five years, they can expect to see their salaries progress from this initial amount to around $74,713, reaching closer to the regional median as they gain valuable experience. Given the city's cost of living index at 86.9, North Little Rock is relatively accessible for recent graduates, making it a favorable market to begin their careers in actuarial science.
About the North Little Rock Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in North Little Rock
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 North Little Rock
Entry-level actuarys in North Little Rock, AR typically start between $61,068 and $74,713 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $91,522 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $98,446 — 26.62% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Arkansas of $36,000 represents just 58.95% of the starting actuary pay ($61,068/year) in North Little Rock. 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 North Little Rock
- 1Research the North Little Rock market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $61,068 to $74,713, 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 AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in North Little Rock, 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 North Little Rock for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5North Little Rock's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in North Little Rock is $91,522 ( 149.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,068, experienced hygienists can earn up to $152,590.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,848
2025 BLS Actual
$59,174
2026 Current Est.
$61,068
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in North Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,848 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,643 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,045 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,771 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,099 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,174 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,068 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,022 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in North Little Rock, AR grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,848 in 2019 to $59,174 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,022. New graduates entering the North Little Rock job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Little Rock 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 North Little Rock
In terms of career options, numerous employers in North Little Rock are actively seeking new grads in the actuarial field. Major life insurers like Prudential and MetLife, for instance, recruit strong candidates through structured campus pipelines, offering support for exam preparation and additional study time. Health insurers and consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer also provide entry-level opportunities but often prefer candidates who have earned their ASA credentials. Building an impressive skill set, particularly in areas like predictive analytics and data science, will enhance salary prospects. For many candidates, passing each actuarial exam typically correlates with an increase in base salary, ranging from $3,000 to $8,000. This means that those who stay committed to continuing education and passing exams early on can anticipate realistic salary growth in their first three years, setting a foundation for a successful actuarial career in AR.
More salary data for North Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 North Little Rock. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Little Rock 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