Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Hastings, MN: $78,988 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Hastings, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,988 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hastings's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,191 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($125,903) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates seeking to enter the actuarial profession in Hastings, Minnesota, 2026 presents a promising yet competitive landscape. The entry-level actuary salary in Hastings is projected at $78,988, which is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $125,903. This gap may seem daunting, but early-career actuaries can expect a salary progression that moves them toward the 25th percentile at $95,174 within just a few years. With an annual growth rate of 3.20%, opportunities do exist for motivated individuals to bridge this gap quickly. Currently, Hastings is leaning towards being a favorable market for new grads, offering a range of potential positions as local businesses and insurers continue to seek fresh talent skilled in analytical methods.
About the Hastings Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hastings
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 Hastings
Entry-level actuarys in Hastings, MN typically start between $78,988 and $95,174 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $115,688 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $125,903 — 6.15% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Minnesota of $55,000 represents just 69.63% of the starting actuary pay ($78,988/year) in Hastings. 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 Hastings
- 1Research the Hastings market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $78,988 to $95,174, 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 Hastings, 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 Hastings for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hastings'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 Hastings is $115,688 ( 146.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,988, experienced hygienists can earn up to $194,676.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,183
2025 BLS Actual
$76,539
2026 Current Est.
$78,988
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Hastings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,183 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,323 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,625 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,905 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,431 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,575 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,539 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,988 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,516 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Hastings, MN grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,183 in 2019 to $76,539 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,516. New graduates entering the Hastings job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hastings 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 Hastings
New graduates in Hastings aiming to maximize their initial pay should focus on potential employers that actively seek entry-level actuaries. Major life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, along with health insurers, often have tailored pathways for new grads and provide structured study time for exam preparation. Consulting firms, such as Milliman and Mercer, tend to pay at the higher end of the spectrum, especially for those with ASA credentials. Candidates with degrees in actuarial science, mathematics, or finance, who also secure VEE credits in economics or accounting, will enhance their employability. Moreover, passing actuarial exams directly impacts salary—each passed exam typically contributes an additional $3,000 to $8,000 to the base pay. Realistically, those entering the actuarial field can expect to see their salaries grow considerably in their first few years based on exam progress and credential attainment.
More salary data for Hastings, MN:
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 Hastings. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hastings 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