Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Owatonna, MN: $77,938 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Owatonna, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,938 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Owatonna's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,125 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($131,183) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates entering the actuarial field, the expected starting salary in Owatonna, Minnesota, is projected to be around $77,938 in 2026. This figure can seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $131,183, which reflects the potential for significant growth within the profession. New actuaries can realistically anticipate a progression in pay as they gain experience, moving from the entry-level salary to approximately $96,277 at the 25th percentile within their first few years. With a compound annual growth rate of 3.20% expected in the broader market, Owatonna currently represents an intriguing opportunity for new graduates to begin their careers and move toward a fulfilling and lucrative profession.
About the Owatonna Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Owatonna
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 Owatonna
Entry-level actuarys in Owatonna, MN typically start between $77,938 and $96,277 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $125,395 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $131,183 — 2.22% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Minnesota of $55,000 represents just 70.57% of the starting actuary pay ($77,938/year) in Owatonna. 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 Owatonna
- 1Research the Owatonna market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $77,938 to $96,277, 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 Owatonna, 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 Owatonna for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Owatonna'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 Owatonna is $125,395 ( 160.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,938, experienced hygienists can earn up to $203,333.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,343
2025 BLS Actual
$75,521
2026 Current Est.
$77,938
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Owatonna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,343 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,468 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,805 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,975 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,455 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,565 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,521 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,938 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,432 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Owatonna, MN grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,343 in 2019 to $75,521 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,432. New graduates entering the Owatonna job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Owatonna 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 Owatonna
Several prominent employers in Owatonna actively recruit recent graduates in the actuarial field, particularly large life insurance firms like Prudential and MetLife, as well as health insurance companies. These organizations often offer structured paths for exam preparation, which is a critical factor in salary progression. New actuaries should focus on strengthening foundational skills related to financial mathematics, statistics, or finance while working towards passing professional exams. Credentials such as the Associate (ASA) designation typically require several years of study and examination, while attaining a Fellow (FSA) status demands a longer commitment. For the first few years, new actuaries can expect salary increases directly correlated to their exam success, with each passed exam providing a lift of $3,000 to $8,000 to their base pay. By aligning with consulting firms that offer premium wages for advanced credentials, new graduates can strategically position themselves for higher earning potential while satisfying the increasing demand for data science abilities within the field.
More salary data for Owatonna, 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 Owatonna. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Owatonna 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