Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Apex, NC: $75,234 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Apex, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,234 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Apex's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,378 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($126,421) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates pursuing a career as an actuary in Apex, North Carolina can expect starting salaries around $75,234. While this figure is below the city's projected median annual salary of $126,421, it sets a foundation for growth as one progresses in the field. Young professionals can anticipate a trajectory from this entry-level salary through the $97,982 mark at the 25th percentile, eventually aiming for the median with experience and exam completion. Given its proximity to larger metropolitan areas, Apex represents a strong market for entry-level actuaries, offering opportunities for advancement in a thriving insurance and consulting landscape.
About the Apex Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Apex
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 Apex
Entry-level actuarys in Apex, NC typically start between $75,234 and $97,982 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $120,719 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $126,421 — 5.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in North Carolina of $45,000 represents just 59.81% of the starting actuary pay ($75,234/year) in Apex. 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 Apex
- 1Research the Apex market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $75,234 to $97,982, 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 NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Apex, 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 Apex for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Apex'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 Apex is $120,719 ( 160.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,234, experienced hygienists can earn up to $195,953.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,180
2025 BLS Actual
$72,901
2026 Current Est.
$75,234
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Apex (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,180 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,266 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,696 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,582 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,941 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,373 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,901 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,234 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,641 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Apex, NC grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,180 in 2019 to $72,901 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,641. New graduates entering the Apex job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apex 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 Apex
Employers actively hiring in Apex include notable life insurance companies like Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual, which rely on university partnerships to recruit emerging talent. These firms often facilitate exam study time, making their positions more appealing to new graduates. Health insurance companies and consulting firms such as Milliman, Mercer, and Aon also seek fresh actuarial talent, particularly those with in-progress credentials like the ASA designation. To elevate starting pay in North Carolina, aspiring actuaries should focus on obtaining VEE credits and passing initial exams, with each passed exam typically adding $3,000 to $8,000 to base pay. In the first few years, realistically expect salary increases as you gain credentials and develop skills in predictive analytics and data science, which are becoming increasingly essential for the evolving role of actuaries in the market.
More salary data for Apex, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Apex in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Apex?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Apex?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Apex?
How do I become a actuary in North Carolina?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Apex. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Apex 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