Entry-Level Actuary Salary in High Point, NC: $76,321 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the High Point, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,321 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out High Point's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,540 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($124,876) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the actuarial field in High Point, North Carolina, the starting actuary salary in 2026 is projected at $76,321. This marks a significant gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $124,876, highlighting the initial earning potential for entry-level roles. However, the salary trajectory for early-career actuaries shows promise. With experience and further qualifications, they can expect to move toward the 25th percentile at $93,743 and eventually reach the median, supported by High Point's annual growth rate of 3.20%. Given the current market dynamics, new grads in High Point have a favorable environment to enter the field; while starting pay may be lower than the national median, the potential for gradual salary increases exists as they gain experience and pass exams.
About the High Point Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in High Point
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 High Point
Entry-level actuarys in High Point, NC typically start between $76,321 and $93,743 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $117,237 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $124,876 — 6.92% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in North Carolina of $45,000 represents just 58.96% of the starting actuary pay ($76,321/year) in High Point. 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 High Point
- 1Research the High Point market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $76,321 to $93,743, 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 High Point, 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 High Point for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5High Point'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 High Point is $117,237 ( 153.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,321, experienced hygienists can earn up to $193,558.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,049
2025 BLS Actual
$73,954
2026 Current Est.
$76,321
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in High Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,049 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,151 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,543 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,544 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,951 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,408 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,954 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,321 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,763 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in High Point, NC grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,049 in 2019 to $73,954 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,763. New graduates entering the High Point job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the High Point 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 High Point
In High Point, several prominent employers actively recruit new actuarial graduates, making it a conducive environment for early-career professionals. Large life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, along with health insurers and consulting firms like Aon and Mercer, seek entry-level actuaries, particularly those who are progressively completing exams related to the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). For those aiming to increase their earning potential, obtaining an ASA credential through passing required actuarial exams can lead to an increase in starting salary, as typically each passed exam adds between $3,000 to $8,000 annually. Moreover, candidates with skills in predictive analytics and data science are increasingly attractive to employers, reflecting the evolving demands of the industry. Over the first few years, actuaries in High Point can reasonably anticipate their pay to rise as they achieve milestones in the examination process and gain practical experience in their roles.
More salary data for High Point, NC:
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 High Point. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for High Point 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