Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Bloomington, IL: $77,695 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Bloomington, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,695 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bloomington's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,015 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($126,371) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the actuarial field in Bloomington, Illinois can expect a starting pay around $77,695, setting a foundational benchmark for their careers. This figure represents a significant gap from the city-wide median salary of $126,371, indicating that while entry-level positions may not deliver competitive compensation initially, there is a clear growth trajectory. As actuaries gain experience and potentially achieve higher qualifications, they can expect to advance toward the 25th percentile salary of $95,093 within the first few years. For recent graduates, Bloomington presents an appealing opportunity, balancing reasonable starting salaries with a supportive local job market conducive to professional growth.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bloomington
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 Bloomington
Entry-level actuarys in Bloomington, IL typically start between $77,695 and $95,093 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $118,181 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $126,371 — 5.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Illinois of $68,000 represents just 87.52% of the starting actuary pay ($77,695/year) in Bloomington. 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 Bloomington
- 1Research the Bloomington market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $77,695 to $95,093, 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 Bloomington, 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 Bloomington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bloomington'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 Bloomington is $118,181 ( 152.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,695, experienced hygienists can earn up to $195,876.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,380
2025 BLS Actual
$75,286
2026 Current Est.
$77,695
2019–2027 Growth
+35.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,380 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,616 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,520 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,533 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,286 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,695 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,181 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Bloomington, IL grew 26.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,380 in 2019 to $75,286 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,181. New graduates entering the Bloomington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington 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 Bloomington
Employers in Bloomington looking to recruit new actuaries include large life insurers such as Prudential and MetLife, as well as consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer. These organizations often have established campus recruitment pipelines and provide structured exam study time for entry-level candidates. Aspiring actuaries should focus on obtaining a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science, while also passing actuarial exams to enhance their marketability. Credentials such as the Associate designation (ASA) can be obtained in 4-5 years, hinging heavily on passing multiple exams, with each exam passed generally increasing base salaries by $3,000 to $8,000. For those aiming for higher salaries, continuing education and obtaining Fellow status (FSA or FCAS) opens doors to better compensation in the long term, particularly within consulting firms that offer a premium for advanced certifications. The first few years in the profession typically see reasonable growth in pay, aligning with the broader industry standard, promising both financial and professional development within the Bloomington market.
More salary data for Bloomington, IL:
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 Bloomington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bloomington 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