Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Peoria, IL: $81,457 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Peoria, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,457 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peoria's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,890 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($130,599) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For individuals seeking to launch their careers in actuarial science, starting salaries in Peoria, Illinois can be quite competitive, particularly when considering the 2026 projections. New graduates entering the job market can anticipate an entry-level actuary salary in Peoria of around $81,457, which sets a firm foundation compared to the city's median annual salary of $130,599. This illustrates a significant gap, suggesting that early-career actuaries can expect substantial growth in their earnings as they gain experience and credentials. Within their first 3-5 years, individuals can realistically aim to progress toward the P25 salary of $99,279, enhancing their marketability and earning potential. Overall, Peoria currently presents a promising environment for new grads, particularly given its lower cost of living index at 97.1, which allows for a workable economic backdrop when starting a career.
About the Peoria Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peoria
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 Peoria
Entry-level actuarys in Peoria, IL typically start between $81,457 and $99,279 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $120,971 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $130,599 — 2.65% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Illinois of $68,000 represents just 83.48% of the starting actuary pay ($81,457/year) in Peoria. 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 Peoria
- 1Research the Peoria market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $81,457 to $99,279, 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 Peoria, 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 Peoria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peoria'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 Peoria is $120,971 ( 148.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,457, experienced hygienists can earn up to $202,428.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,158
2025 BLS Actual
$78,931
2026 Current Est.
$81,457
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,158 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,333 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,551 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,090 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,726 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,931 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,457 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,063 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Peoria, IL grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,158 in 2019 to $78,931 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,063. New graduates entering the Peoria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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 Peoria
In terms of job opportunities, Peoria serves as a hub for both insurers and consulting firms that actively recruit entry-level actuaries. Large life insurance companies such as Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual, along with health insurers, have established campus recruitment pipelines specifically targeting actuarial students. These organizations typically offer structured support for exam preparation, which is crucial for increasing starting pay. Entry-level candidates with organizational backing can significantly boost their prospects through ongoing education, including passing actuarial exams from either the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). Achieving associate status (ASA or ACAS) can elevate earnings to the $3,000-$8,000 range with each passing exam, thus positioning graduates to earn higher salaries throughout their careers in Illinois. Furthermore, consulting firms like Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW tend to offer premium starting salaries for fully credentialed professionals, especially those who have advanced to Fellow (FSA/FCAS) status. While the first few years can be focused on foundational learning and exam completion, proactive new grads can leverage the evolving demand for data analytics skills to enhance their career trajectories.
More salary data for Peoria, 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 Peoria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Peoria 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