Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Overland Park, KS: $65,822 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Overland Park, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,822 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Overland Park's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,411 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($113,487) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting your career as an actuary in Overland Park, Kansas, comes with a starting actuary salary of approximately $65,822 in 2026, which is notably below the city’s median salary of $113,487 for all actuaries. For new graduates, this gap underscores the importance of setting realistic financial expectations during the early years of their career. However, there is a defined growth trajectory within the profession, as many entry-level actuaries who progress through their exams and gain experience can eventually reach salaries around $81,711 within a few years. Overland Park offers a favorable environment for new grads, particularly due to its growth rate of 3.20%, which highlights the potential for upward mobility in the actuarial field.
About the Overland Park Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Overland Park
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 Overland Park
Entry-level actuarys in Overland Park, KS typically start between $65,822 and $81,711 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $110,082 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $113,487 — 15.41% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Kansas of $40,000 represents just 60.77% of the starting actuary pay ($65,822/year) in Overland Park. 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 Overland Park
- 1Research the Overland Park market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $65,822 to $81,711, 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 Overland Park, 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 Overland Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Overland Park'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 Overland Park is $110,082 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,822, experienced hygienists can earn up to $175,904.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,652
2025 BLS Actual
$63,781
2026 Current Est.
$65,822
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Overland Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,652 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,601 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,353 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,253 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,191 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,014 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,781 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,822 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,928 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Overland Park, KS grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,652 in 2019 to $63,781 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,928. New graduates entering the Overland Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Overland Park 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 Overland Park
In Overland Park, several major employers are keen on hiring new graduates for actuarial roles. Companies like Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual actively recruit through campus channels, providing structured resources for exam preparation. Health insurance firms also play a key role in hiring entry-level actuaries, while consulting firms such as Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW offer competitive salaries often aligned with having ASA credentials. Salaries for new graduates can be significantly boosted by obtaining relevant credentials, including a Bachelor's degree in mathematical or actuarial sciences, and passing various actuarial exams. The first few years in this profession can be pivotal; each passed exam generally results in a salary increase of $3,000 to $8,000. Therefore, new grads should focus on a comprehensive exam strategy and consider developing skills in predictive analytics, which are increasingly valuable in today's job market. Make the most of your first few years by aiming for professional development and networking opportunities to ensure robust salary growth in Kansas.
More salary data for Overland Park, 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 Overland Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Overland Park 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