Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Johnston, IA: $75,189 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Johnston, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,189 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Johnston's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,174 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($112,567) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the actuarial field in Johnston, IA, the starting actuary salary in 2026 is projected to be about $75,189. This figure sits well below the city's median annual salary of $112,567, illustrating a notable compensation gap as early-career professionals begin their journey. However, there is potential for growth; as entry-level employees advance in their careers, they can expect their salaries to rise significantly. In the first three to five years, reaching P25 levels at $88,415 and eventually the median is reasonable, showcasing a realistic trajectory for those committed to the profession. Overall, the Johnston market appears to offer a moderate landscape for new actuaries, balancing local salary expectations against the backdrop of a healthily growing industry.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Johnston
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 Johnston
Entry-level actuarys in Johnston, IA typically start between $75,189 and $88,415 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $99,290 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $112,567 — 16.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Iowa of $45,000 represents just 59.85% of the starting actuary pay ($75,189/year) in Johnston. 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 Johnston
- 1Research the Johnston market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $75,189 to $88,415, 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 IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Johnston, 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 Johnston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Johnston's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Johnston is $99,290 ( 132.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,189, experienced hygienists can earn up to $174,479.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,145
2025 BLS Actual
$72,858
2026 Current Est.
$75,189
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,145 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,661 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,543 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,594 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,858 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,189 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,596 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Johnston, IA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,145 in 2019 to $72,858 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,596. New graduates entering the Johnston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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 Johnston
In Johnston, major employers such as Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual focus on recruiting recent graduates through structured internship programs and campus initiatives designed to support actuarial students. These companies often facilitate exam study time for new hires, enabling them to progress through the rigorous credentialing process. Entry-level candidates with relevant degrees in math, statistics, or actuarial science who have also passed initial actuarial exams can significantly enhance their earning potential. Credentialing through the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) is crucial, with each passed exam often linked to a $3,000 to $8,000 increase in base salary. Consultancy firms like Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW typically offer competitive starting packages for ASA-credentialed analysts, with the expectation of higher salaries once candidates achieve Fellowship status. As predictive analytics and data science skills become increasingly relevant, early-career actuaries in Johnston should focus on building these competencies while advancing through their exam progression to maximize their career prospects from the outset.
More salary data for Johnston, IA:
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 Johnston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Johnston 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