Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Dearborn, MI: $68,028 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Dearborn, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,028 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dearborn's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,991 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($108,458) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those entering the actuarial profession in Dearborn, Michigan can expect starting salaries around $68,028, which represents the lower end of the salary spectrum for entry-level positions. This figure is significantly lower than the city’s annual median salary of $108,458, indicating a notable gap that new graduates should be aware of. While initially the pay may seem modest, within three to five years, many actuaries can transition from entry-level salaries to more competitive brackets, approaching the first quartile figure of $80,387 as they gain experience. With a 3.20% growth rate projected, the Dearborn market presents reasonable opportunities for recent graduates to grow their earnings over time, although they will need to align their skills and credentials with employer expectations to maximize their potential.
About the Dearborn Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dearborn
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 Dearborn
Entry-level actuarys in Dearborn, MI typically start between $68,028 and $80,387 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $100,082 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $108,458 — 19.16% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Michigan of $52,000 represents just 76.44% of the starting actuary pay ($68,028/year) in Dearborn. 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 Dearborn
- 1Research the Dearborn market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $68,028 to $80,387, 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 MI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dearborn, 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 Dearborn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dearborn'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 Dearborn is $100,082 ( 147.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,028, experienced hygienists can earn up to $168,110.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,417
2025 BLS Actual
$65,919
2026 Current Est.
$68,028
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Dearborn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,417 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,398 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,074 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,206 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,243 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,808 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,919 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,028 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,205 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Dearborn, MI grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,417 in 2019 to $65,919 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,205. New graduates entering the Dearborn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dearborn 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 Dearborn
Multiple employers in Dearborn are seeking out new graduates for entry-level actuarial roles. Prominent companies such as Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual are known to engage with actuarial students through campus recruitment initiatives. These firms often provide structured support for exam preparation, enabling new entrants to progress towards professional credentials efficiently. Continuing education is crucial; holding a relevant bachelor's degree and successfully passing actuarial exams not only aligns candidates with industry standards but directly impacts their earning potential. Firms like Milliman and Mercer offer competitive starting actuary pay in MI, especially for those who achieve the Associate (ASA) designation, as they command better starting salaries. In this sector, each passed exam is a significant financial milestone, potentially adding $3,000 to $8,000 to the base salary. Consequently, developing skills in predictive analytics and data science can further enhance marketability for new professionals entering the field, while realistic salary growth for entry-level positions is tied closely to exam progress and professional advancement.
More salary data for Dearborn, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Dearborn in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Dearborn?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Dearborn?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Dearborn?
How do I become a actuary in Michigan?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Michigan
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 Dearborn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dearborn 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