Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Austin, MN: $74,076 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Austin, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,076 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Austin's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,204 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($124,989) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the actuarial profession in Austin, Minnesota, the projected starting salary in 2026 is approximately $74,076. This initial pay is significantly lower than the projected median annual salary of $124,989 for actuaries in the city, illustrating the gap new graduates can expect to bridge over time as they gain experience and progress in their careers. Entry-level actuaries may realistically see growth from this beginning figure, moving towards the 25th percentile salary of $91,987 within their first few years. Given the projected growth rate of 3.20% annually and the relatively low cost of living index in Austin, it appears to be an opportune market for new graduates considering their first job opportunities in actuarial science.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Austin
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 Austin
Entry-level actuarys in Austin, MN typically start between $74,076 and $91,987 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $119,656 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $124,989 — 6.84% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Minnesota of $55,000 represents just 74.25% of the starting actuary pay ($74,076/year) in Austin. 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 Austin
- 1Research the Austin market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $74,076 to $91,987, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Austin, 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 Austin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Austin's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Austin is $119,656 ( 161.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,076, experienced hygienists can earn up to $193,732.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,254
2025 BLS Actual
$71,779
2026 Current Est.
$74,076
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,254 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,323 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,792 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,558 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,865 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,919 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,779 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,076 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,446 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Austin, MN grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,254 in 2019 to $71,779 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,446. New graduates entering the Austin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austin 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 Austin
Employers in the Austin area that hire newly-minted actuaries primarily include large insurance firms like Prudential and MetLife, which often seek out actuarial interns and graduates through campus recruitment efforts. Consulting firms such as Mercer and Aon are also notable players, as they tend to pay higher starting salaries for applicants who have obtained ASA credentials. While a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science lays the groundwork, passing actuarial exams administered by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) can significantly bolster one's earning potential. Gaining validation through exam progression is vital in this field, as each successfully passed examination typically equates to an increase in base salary ranging from $3,000 to $8,000. Within the first three years, a new grad actuary in MN could find themselves either approaching or surpassing the $91,987 mark, particularly if they continue pursuing credentials and acquiring skills in data analytics or predictive modeling.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Austin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Austin 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