Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Plattsburgh, NY: $94,729 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Plattsburgh, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $94,729 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plattsburgh's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,733 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($143,607) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the actuarial profession in Plattsburgh, NY in 2026, the starting salary is projected at approximately $94,729. While this may appear modest when compared to the city median annual salary of $143,607, it presents a solid foundation for new actuaries, especially considering the trajectory for salary growth. New graduates can expect to see their compensation rise as they gain experience and pass exams, with the potential for salaries to reach $111,928 after a few years. Given the local market dynamics, Plattsburgh is currently showing promise for new entrants to the field, supported by a growth rate of 3.20% annually over the next five years, presenting a viable pathway for young professionals eager to start their careers in actuarial science.
About the Plattsburgh Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plattsburgh
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 Plattsburgh
Entry-level actuarys in Plattsburgh, NY typically start between $94,729 and $111,928 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $127,516 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $143,607 — 7.04% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in New York of $88,000 represents just 92.90% of the starting actuary pay ($94,729/year) in Plattsburgh. 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 Plattsburgh
- 1Research the Plattsburgh market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $94,729 to $111,928, 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 Plattsburgh, 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 Plattsburgh for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Plattsburgh'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 Plattsburgh is $127,516 ( 134.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $94,729, experienced hygienists can earn up to $222,245.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$75,775
2025 BLS Actual
$91,792
2026 Current Est.
$94,729
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Plattsburgh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,775 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,142 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,906 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,836 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,065 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,261 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,792 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,729 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,761 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Plattsburgh, NY grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $75,775 in 2019 to $91,792 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $97,761. New graduates entering the Plattsburgh job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plattsburgh 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 Plattsburgh
The job market for aspiring actuaries in Plattsburgh is primarily shaped by the presence of large life insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife, as well as health insurers that often hire entry-level candidates. These organizations typically recruit through established campus pipelines and provide new actuaries with structured study time for exams, creating a supportive environment for career progression. Credentials are crucial in this profession, as holding a bachelor's degree in relevant fields and passing actuarial exams can substantially elevate starting pay. Each exam passed generally adds between $3,000 to $8,000 to the base salary, underscoring the importance of exam progression early in an actuary’s career. Consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer often pay a premium for candidates holding ASA or ACAS designations. For new graduates in Plattsburgh, aligning with employers that understand the value of actuarial credentials can lead to substantial salary growth within their first three years.
More salary data for Plattsburgh, 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 Plattsburgh. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plattsburgh 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