Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Champaign, IL: $78,184 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Champaign, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,184 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Champaign's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,519 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($131,211) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of actuarial science, the entry-level actuary salary in Champaign, Illinois, is projected at $78,184 in 2026. This figure offers a compelling starting point, especially considering the overall median salary for actuaries in the city is $131,211, highlighting a significant gap. Over the first few years in the profession, new actuaries can expect to see their earnings increase as they gain experience, with the potential to reach $96,770 after passing the initial exams and acquiring relevant experience. Given Champaign's growing job market for entry-level actuaries, particularly with its proximity to universities and potential partnerships with local employers, recent graduates have promising opportunities to secure competitive salaries that may well outpace similar roles in less vibrant regions.
About the Champaign Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Champaign
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 Champaign
Entry-level actuarys in Champaign, IL typically start between $78,184 and $96,770 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $125,192 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $131,211 — 2.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Illinois of $68,000 represents just 86.97% of the starting actuary pay ($78,184/year) in Champaign. 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 Champaign
- 1Research the Champaign market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $78,184 to $96,770, 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 Champaign, 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 Champaign for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Champaign'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 Champaign is $125,192 ( 160.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,184, experienced hygienists can earn up to $203,376.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,540
2025 BLS Actual
$75,760
2026 Current Est.
$78,184
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Champaign (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,668 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,998 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,194 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,684 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,979 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,760 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,184 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,686 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Champaign, IL grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,540 in 2019 to $75,760 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,686. New graduates entering the Champaign job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Champaign 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 Champaign
As they enter the workforce, new grads should target employers like Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual, which actively seek fresh talent with a strong foundation in actuarial science. Health insurance companies are also a key hiring sector, along with consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer that look for ASA-credentialed analysts. To enhance their starting salaries in Illinois, candidates should focus on obtaining a bachelor's degree in math, statistics, or finance, along with passing key actuarial exams. Early career success hinges significantly on exam progression, where each passed exam typically adds $3,000-$8,000 to base pay. For those seeking a trajectory in consulting, becoming a Fellow (FSA/FCAS) can also yield higher salaries in markets driven by advanced skills such as predictive analytics and data science. With a growth rate of 3.20% anticipated, entry-level actuaries in Champaign can expect realistic salary increases in their first few years, particularly if they strategically pursue credentials and align themselves with high-demand employers that recognize and reward progression in the field.
More salary data for Champaign, 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 Champaign. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Champaign 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