Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Medina, OH: $77,057 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Medina, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,057 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medina's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,958 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($117,254) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the actuarial field in Medina, Ohio, the projected starting actuary salary in 2026 is approximately $77,057. This entry-level figure indicates a clear gap from the median annual salary of $117,254 for the city, emphasizing the challenges that early-career professionals may face in achieving higher earnings. However, those who remain in the field can expect a gradual increase in pay, transitioning to about $88,912 within the first few years. This growth opportunity is significant and positions Medina as a reasonably attractive market for aspiring actuaries, especially given the moderate annual growth rate of 3.20% projected for this occupation.
About the Medina Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medina
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 Medina
Entry-level actuarys in Medina, OH typically start between $77,057 and $88,912 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $104,686 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $117,254 — 12.6% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Ohio of $50,000 represents just 64.89% of the starting actuary pay ($77,057/year) in Medina. 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 Medina
- 1Research the Medina market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $77,057 to $88,912, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Medina, 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 Medina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medina'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 Medina is $104,686 ( 135.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,057, experienced hygienists can earn up to $181,743.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,639
2025 BLS Actual
$74,668
2026 Current Est.
$77,057
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Medina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,639 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,751 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,118 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,196 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,636 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,668 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,057 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,523 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Medina, OH grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,639 in 2019 to $74,668 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,523. New graduates entering the Medina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medina 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 Medina
Multiple employers in Medina actively recruit new graduates, notably large life insurers such as Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual, which often have structured programs for mentoring and exam preparations. Health insurance companies and consulting firms like Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW also offer pathways for entry-level actuaries, often providing competitive starting salaries that could be higher, particularly for those with relevant credentials. Graduates with strong educational backgrounds in math or finance, coupled with progress in actuarial examinations and VEE credits, may command starting salaries that edge higher than the baseline figures. As new actuaries advance in their careers over the first three years, each passed exam can increase their salary by $3,000 to $8,000, significantly enhancing their earning potential in Medina's job market. This strategic focus on exam achievement, alongside the right credentials, can lead to a fruitful career trajectory for aspiring actuaries in Ohio.
More salary data for Medina, OH:
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 Medina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medina 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