Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Jamestown, NY: $88,907 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Jamestown, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $88,907 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jamestown's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,710 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($151,158) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates considering a career in actuarial science may find Jamestown, NY, to be an appealing market due to its competitive starting pay. In 2026, the entry-level actuary salary in Jamestown is projected to be around $88,907, which presents a significant entry point for new grads. This figure, however, is quite below the city's median annual salary of $151,158, indicating that as entry-level professionals gain experience, there is substantial potential for salary growth. Over the first few years, an actuary's pay may progress from the entry-level figure to the 25th percentile at $119,601, and eventually, towards the median as they advance their careers. Given the robust growth trajectory of 3.20% annually, new graduates in this field can clearly anticipate positive salary developments in the early phases of their career in Jamestown.
About the Jamestown Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jamestown
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 Jamestown
Entry-level actuarys in Jamestown, NY typically start between $88,907 and $119,601 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $145,388 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $151,158 — 12.67% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in New York of $88,000 represents just 98.98% of the starting actuary pay ($88,907/year) in Jamestown. 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 Jamestown
- 1Research the Jamestown market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $88,907 to $119,601, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jamestown, 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 Jamestown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Jamestown's above-average cost of living (index: 115.9) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Jamestown is $145,388 ( 163.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $88,907, experienced hygienists can earn up to $234,295.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,117
2025 BLS Actual
$86,150
2026 Current Est.
$88,907
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Jamestown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,117 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,400 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,363 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,683 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,652 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,644 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,150 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,907 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,752 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Jamestown, NY grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,117 in 2019 to $86,150 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $91,752. New graduates entering the Jamestown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jamestown 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 Jamestown
Employment opportunities for entry-level actuaries in Jamestown primarily arise within large life insurance firms such as Prudential and MetLife, as well as health insurers and consulting agencies like Milliman and Mercer. These organizations often seek fresh talent through campus recruitment efforts, providing structured study programs for actuarial exams. In terms of credentials, candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics or actuarial science, alongside progressing through actuarial exams set by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS), can significantly enhance their salary prospects. Typically, each exam passed can add between $3,000 and $8,000 to one's base pay, making continued education a key factor in salary growth. Furthermore, those aiming for consulting roles should note that firms frequently pay a premium for candidates with Fellowship status (FSA / FCAS), reflecting the differing market dynamics for life versus property and casualty insurance. The combination of exam progression and relevant skills, particularly in predictive analytics, will position newly qualified actuaries well for promising career trajectories in Jamestown and the wider NY job market.
More salary data for Jamestown, NY:
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 Jamestown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jamestown 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