Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Quincy, IL: $74,121 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Quincy, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,121 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Quincy's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,335 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($126,417) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Quincy, Illinois, the starting salary for entry-level actuaries in 2026 is projected to be around $74,121. For new graduates, this figure indicates that they may earn significantly less than the median annual salary of $126,417 for actuaries in the city, highlighting a typical gap for those just beginning their careers. However, new entrants can expect to see their salaries grow as they gain experience, with a progression from the entry-level figure through to the first quartile salary of $96,944 likely within the first few years. Quincy demonstrates a relatively promising job market for recent graduates, especially considering the 3.20% annual growth rate in actuary salaries, which ultimately encourages young professionals to establish their careers in this field.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Quincy
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 Quincy
Entry-level actuarys in Quincy, IL typically start between $74,121 and $96,944 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $121,825 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $126,417 — 5.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Illinois of $68,000 represents just 91.74% of the starting actuary pay ($74,121/year) in Quincy. 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 Quincy
- 1Research the Quincy market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $74,121 to $96,944, 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 Quincy, 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 Quincy for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Quincy'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 Quincy is $121,825 ( 164.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,121, experienced hygienists can earn up to $195,946.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,290
2025 BLS Actual
$71,823
2026 Current Est.
$74,121
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,290 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,360 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,828 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,598 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,907 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,048 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,823 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,121 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,493 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Quincy, IL grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,290 in 2019 to $71,823 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,493. New graduates entering the Quincy job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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 Quincy
Several employers in Quincy are on the lookout for new actuaries, notably large life insurance companies like Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual. These organizations often implement campus recruitment processes that include structured study time for actuarial exams, a crucial component of career advancement. Entry-level actuaries at health insurance companies might find opportunities as well, while consulting firms such as Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW are known to offer competitive salaries, especially for candidates who hold ASA credentials. For those seeking to enhance starting pay in Illinois, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science or a related field, as well as passing initial actuarial exams, is vital. New hires should plan for a continuous education strategy to advance their careers: every passed exam can add a considerable amount to base salaries and expedite progression toward ASA and eventually FSA designations, setting a clear path for financial growth in the first few years.
More salary data for Quincy, 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 Quincy. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy 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