Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Shawnee, KS: $67,872 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Shawnee, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,872 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Shawnee's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,667 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($108,852) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shawnee, Kansas, new graduates entering the actuarial field can expect an entry-level actuary salary of approximately $67,872 in 2026. While this starting figure is significantly lower than the city median annual salary of $108,852, it does pave the way for substantial salary growth as new actuaries gain experience and pass professional exams. Over the first three to five years, entry-level actuaries have the potential to progress to salaries around $82,537 (P25) or even reach the median as they enhance their credentials and industry know-how. The actuarial job market in Shawnee remains promising for fresh graduates, especially given the demand for analytical skills and a solid understanding of mathematics and statistics.
About the Shawnee Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Shawnee
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 Shawnee
Entry-level actuarys in Shawnee, KS typically start between $67,872 and $82,537 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $100,849 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $108,852 — 18.86% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Kansas of $40,000 represents just 58.93% of the starting actuary pay ($67,872/year) in Shawnee. 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 Shawnee
- 1Research the Shawnee market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $67,872 to $82,537, 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 Shawnee, 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 Shawnee for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Shawnee'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 Shawnee is $100,849 ( 148.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,872, experienced hygienists can earn up to $168,721.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,291
2025 BLS Actual
$65,767
2026 Current Est.
$67,872
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Shawnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,291 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,952 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,067 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,097 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,272 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,767 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,872 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,043 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Shawnee, KS grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,291 in 2019 to $65,767 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,043. New graduates entering the Shawnee job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shawnee 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 Shawnee
Several key employers in Shawnee actively seek out new graduates for entry-level actuarial positions, including large life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, as well as health insurers. These companies often have structured training programs that provide candidates with time to prepare for critical actuarial exams while also supporting their career development. A background in relevant fields such as mathematics, statistics, or finance, combined with completing VEE credits and passing initial actuarial exams, can enhance the starting pay in Kansas. As each exam successfully passed generally translates to an increase in salary of $3,000 to $8,000, newly minted actuaries can anticipate significant salary progression in their first few years if they proactively pursue their professional certifications. Additionally, consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer tend to offer higher salaries for candidates progressing toward ASA or FSA credentials, making it crucial for early-career actuaries to strategize their exam tracks for optimal financial outcomes.
More salary data for Shawnee, 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 Shawnee. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Shawnee 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