Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Papillion, NE: $76,691 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Papillion, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,691 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Papillion's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,815 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($114,187) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the actuarial field in Papillion, Nebraska, can expect an entry-level actuary salary starting at approximately $76,691. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range and indicates a significant gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $114,187. For those in their early careers, movement towards the P25 salary of $89,992 is realistic within the first few years, offering a solid growth trajectory. With an annual growth rate of 3.20%, Papillion presents a viable market for newly-minted actuaries, especially considering the city’s favorable cost of living index at 91.5, which is below the national average.
About the Papillion Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Papillion
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 Papillion
Entry-level actuarys in Papillion, NE typically start between $76,691 and $89,992 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $100,298 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $114,187 — 14.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Nebraska of $45,000 represents just 58.68% of the starting actuary pay ($76,691/year) in Papillion. 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 Papillion
- 1Research the Papillion market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $76,691 to $89,992, 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 NE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Papillion, 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 Papillion for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Papillion'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 Papillion is $100,298 ( 130.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,691, experienced hygienists can earn up to $176,989.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,346
2025 BLS Actual
$74,313
2026 Current Est.
$76,691
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Papillion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,346 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,452 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,833 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,872 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,296 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,796 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,313 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,691 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,145 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Papillion, NE grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,346 in 2019 to $74,313 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,145. New graduates entering the Papillion job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Papillion 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 Papillion
Employers in the Papillion area include major life insurance firms like Prudential and MetLife, which are known to actively recruit new grads and provide structured exam study programs. Health insurers also hire entry-level actuaries who have completed relevant coursework and at least some actuarial exams. Consulting firms such as Milliman, Mercer, and Aon typically seek candidates with ASA credentials, offering higher pay and advancement opportunities for those who pursue fellowships. For early-career actuaries, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in fields like mathematics or actuarial science and completing VEE credits for economics and finance can significantly enhance salary expectations. As each exam is passed, typically accounting for a $3,000 to $8,000 increase in starting pay, diligent study and strategic decision-making regarding additional credentials, such as ASA or FSA, will position new grads for continued success in the dynamic field of actuarial science.
More salary data for Papillion, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Papillion in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Papillion?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Papillion?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Papillion?
How do I become a actuary in Nebraska?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Nebraska
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 Papillion. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Papillion 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