Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Manhattan, KS: $66,145 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Manhattan, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,145 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manhattan's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,767 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($112,284) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the actuarial field in Manhattan, Kansas, can expect starting salaries around $66,145, which represents a significant entry point but is considerably lower than the overall city median of $112,284. For those just starting their careers, the path of salary growth exists, as many can anticipate moving toward the P25 salary of $82,585 within their first few years. The growth trajectory suggests that ambitious entry-level actuaries could potentially reach the median salary within three to five years, taking advantage of annual raises and the increasing value of professional credentials. Given the projected annual growth rate of 3.20%, Manhattan presents a promising market for new graduates, particularly for those committed to advancing their careers in a growing industry.
About the Manhattan Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manhattan
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 Manhattan
Entry-level actuarys in Manhattan, KS typically start between $66,145 and $82,585 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $107,895 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $112,284 — 16.31% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Kansas of $40,000 represents just 60.47% of the starting actuary pay ($66,145/year) in Manhattan. 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 Manhattan
- 1Research the Manhattan market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $66,145 to $82,585, 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 Manhattan, 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 Manhattan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manhattan'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 Manhattan is $107,895 ( 163.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,145, experienced hygienists can earn up to $174,040.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,910
2025 BLS Actual
$64,094
2026 Current Est.
$66,145
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Manhattan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,910 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,864 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,605 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,539 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,492 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,678 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,094 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,145 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,262 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Manhattan, KS grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,910 in 2019 to $64,094 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,262. New graduates entering the Manhattan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manhattan 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 Manhattan
Looking at potential employment opportunities, major life and health insurers like Prudential and MetLife actively recruit entry-level actuaries from local talent pools, often providing structured environments that support exam preparation. Consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer also offer competitive salaries for candidates who have earned their ASA credentials and demonstrate skills in predictive analytics and data science. Consequently, graduates with a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, or finance, along with relevant VEE credits, can enhance their starting actuary salary in Manhattan. Moreover, each passed actuarial exam generally boosts salaries considerably, with the industry norm of adding between $3,000 and $8,000 to base pay per exam. Those aiming for higher positions, such as FSA or FCAS, enjoy even greater compensation and job security, reinforcing the importance of continuous professional development in this dynamic job market.
More salary data for Manhattan, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Manhattan in 2026?
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Is actuarial science school worth it in Manhattan?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Manhattan?
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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 Manhattan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manhattan 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