Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Decatur, IL: $80,009 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Decatur, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,009 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Decatur's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,399 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($132,088) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the actuarial profession in Decatur, Illinois, the expected starting actuary salary in 2026 is projected at $80,009. This starting figure represents a significant gap from the city's projected median annual salary of $132,088. However, aspiring professionals can anticipate a growth trajectory over the first few years, with potential salaries at $98,494 by the 25th percentile and aiming toward the median within three to five years of experience. Given the stable demand for actuaries and the city's favorable cost of living index at 97.1, Decatur currently presents a viable market for fresh graduates embarking on their careers.
About the Decatur Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Decatur
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 Decatur
Entry-level actuarys in Decatur, IL typically start between $80,009 and $98,494 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $124,727 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $132,088 — 1.54% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Illinois of $68,000 represents just 84.99% of the starting actuary pay ($80,009/year) in Decatur. 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 Decatur
- 1Research the Decatur market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $80,009 to $98,494, 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 Decatur, 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 Decatur for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Decatur'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 Decatur is $124,727 ( 155.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,009, experienced hygienists can earn up to $204,736.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,000
2025 BLS Actual
$77,528
2026 Current Est.
$80,009
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,000 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,154 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,421 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,808 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,380 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,741 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,528 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,009 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,569 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Decatur, IL grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,000 in 2019 to $77,528 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,569. New graduates entering the Decatur job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur 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 Decatur
In Decatur, several major employers recruit entry-level actuaries, particularly large life insurance companies like Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual, which actively seek out candidates from local universities. These firms often provide structured pathways for new hires, including dedicated study time for actuarial exams. Health insurance companies and consulting firms such as Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW also hire recent graduates but may offer higher starting salaries for those who already hold the Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) credential. To boost earning potential, new professionals should focus on obtaining critical qualifications, including VEE credits in economics, accounting, and mathematics, as well as pursuing successive actuarial exams. It’s essential for new actuaries to recognize that passing exams typically enhances their base salary by $3,000 to $8,000 per exam, creating a clear path for salary growth during the first few years of employment.
More salary data for Decatur, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Decatur in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Decatur?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Decatur?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Decatur?
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 Decatur. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Decatur 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