Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Hilo, HI: $70,460 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Hilo, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,460 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hilo's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,061 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($111,444) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates stepping into the actuarial field in Hilo, Hawaii, the landscape appears promising yet competitive with a starting actuary salary in the range of $70,460. While this entry-level figure is below the city median annual salary of $111,444, opportunities exist for growth as new graduates gain experience. Over the first three to five years, one can reasonably anticipate salary increases moving from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, which stands at $84,929. The projected growth rate of 3.20% annually further suggests a healthy trajectory for compensation within this sector, making Hilo an appealing market for entry-level actuaries ready to embark on their careers.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hilo
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 Hilo
Entry-level actuarys in Hilo, HI typically start between $70,460 and $84,929 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $102,277 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $111,444 — 16.93% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Hawaii of $58,000 represents just 82.32% of the starting actuary pay ($70,460/year) in Hilo. 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 Hilo
- 1Research the Hilo market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $70,460 to $84,929, 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 HI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hilo, 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 Hilo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Hilo's above-average cost of living (index: 119.3) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Hilo is $102,277 ( 145.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,460, experienced hygienists can earn up to $172,737.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,361
2025 BLS Actual
$68,275
2026 Current Est.
$70,460
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,361 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,378 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,971 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,357 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,503 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,612 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,275 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,460 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,715 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Hilo, HI grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,361 in 2019 to $68,275 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,715. New graduates entering the Hilo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilo 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 Hilo
In Hilo, several employers actively recruit new graduates in the actuarial profession, including major life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, which often have campus pipelines for actuarial students. Additionally, health insurance providers and consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer offer structured paths for entry-level positions, frequently demanding the ASA designation or higher for the most competitive wages. To boost starting pay in Hawaii, candidates should focus on obtaining a relevant bachelor’s degree and pursuing actuarial exams from organizations like the SOA and CAS. Advancing through these exams is vital; each passed exam can increase base pay by $3,000 to $8,000, making exam progress a key strategy during the first few years. With the increasing importance of predictive analytics and data science skills, those who diversify their skill set will find themselves better positioned within the salary spectrum as they advance their careers in this vibrant state.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
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 Hilo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hilo 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