Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Belleville, IL: $79,592 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Belleville, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,592 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Belleville's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,969 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($124,254) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Belleville, the potential for new graduates entering the actuarial field looks promising in 2026. Starting salaries for entry-level actuaries, at $79,592, are notably lower than the city median of $124,254. However, there's room for growth as professionals can expect to advance to $95,455 at the 25th percentile and reach the median salary within the first few years. With an annual growth rate of 3.20%, aspiring actuaries in Belleville can navigate their careers effectively, especially if they strategically work on their exams and gain relevant skills. Given the competitive starting pay for this region compared to the national median of $134,160, Belleville presents a reasonable market for new actuaries eager to build their careers.
About the Belleville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Belleville
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 Belleville
Entry-level actuarys in Belleville, IL typically start between $79,592 and $95,455 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $113,002 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $124,254 — 7.38% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Illinois of $68,000 represents just 85.44% of the starting actuary pay ($79,592/year) in Belleville. 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 Belleville
- 1Research the Belleville market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $79,592 to $95,455, 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 IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Belleville, 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 Belleville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Belleville'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 Belleville is $113,002 ( 141.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,592, experienced hygienists can earn up to $192,594.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,666
2025 BLS Actual
$77,124
2026 Current Est.
$79,592
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Belleville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,666 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,815 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,096 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,439 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,993 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,361 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,124 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,592 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,139 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Belleville, IL grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,666 in 2019 to $77,124 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,139. New graduates entering the Belleville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Belleville 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 Belleville
Several large employers in Belleville actively seek to recruit new actuarial graduates, including prominent life insurers such as Prudential and MetLife, who often provide structured pathways for students. Health insurances also hire entry-level actuaries, while consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer tend to recruit ASA-credentialed analysts at more attractive starting salaries. For a new graduate, holding a Bachelor's in fields such as mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science, along with passing initial actuarial exams, can significantly impact earning potential. Continuing education, including VEE credits and progression to ASA or FSA designations, is essential, as each passed exam typically raises base pay by $3,000-$8,000. In the first few years, early-career actuaries in Belleville can realistically anticipate steady salary increases as they gain experience and earn credentials, positioning themselves well within the local job market.
More salary data for Belleville, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Belleville in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Belleville?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Belleville?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Belleville?
How do I become a actuary in Illinois?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Belleville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Belleville 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