Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Gardner, KS: $69,010 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Gardner, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,010 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gardner's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,919 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($103,548) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates pursuing an entry-level actuary position in Gardner, Kansas, can expect a starting salary around $69,010, which is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $103,548. This gap highlights the initial challenges faced by new entrants in the actuarial field. However, there's potential for growth, as many entry-level positions can lead to salaries in the range of $81,217 to the median in just a few years. This trajectory is encouraging for fresh graduates, signaling that Gardner can be a viable market for those starting their careers in actuarial science, despite a lower starting pay compared to national average salaries.
About the Gardner Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gardner
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 Gardner
Entry-level actuarys in Gardner, KS typically start between $69,010 and $81,217 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $91,489 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $103,548 — 22.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Kansas of $40,000 represents just 57.96% of the starting actuary pay ($69,010/year) in Gardner. 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 Gardner
- 1Research the Gardner market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $69,010 to $81,217, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Gardner, 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 Gardner for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Gardner'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 Gardner is $91,489 ( 132.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,010, experienced hygienists can earn up to $160,499.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,202
2025 BLS Actual
$66,870
2026 Current Est.
$69,010
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Gardner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,202 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,197 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,840 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,074 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,155 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,301 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,870 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,010 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,218 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Gardner, KS grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,202 in 2019 to $66,870 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,218. New graduates entering the Gardner job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gardner 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 Gardner
Employers in Gardner that typically hire new actuarial graduates include large life insurers such as Prudential and MetLife, as well as health insurance companies, which actively seek entry-level talent. Consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer are also known to recruit actuaries with a focus on structured support for exam preparation, important for salary advancements. To enhance starting pay in Kansas, candidates should focus on obtaining relevant degrees in mathematics or actuarial science and aim to pass professional exams administered by the SOA or CAS. Holding an ASA designation can significantly elevate salaries over time, as each passed exam may add $3,000 to $8,000 to the base salary. New grads should strategically prioritize passing early exams and developing skills in predictive analytics and data science, aligning with industry trends that increase their market demand. With a calculated career strategy during their first few years, actuaries can expect a steady rise in compensation, positioning themselves favorably for future opportunities in Gardner and beyond.
More salary data for Gardner, KS:
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 Gardner. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gardner 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