Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Wooster, OH: $77,713 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Wooster, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,713 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wooster's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,681 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($117,754) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates looking to enter the actuarial profession in Wooster, Ohio, can expect an entry-level actuary salary starting at around $77,713. While this figure might appear modest compared to the overall median annual salary of $117,754 for the city, it provides a solid foundation for growth. As early-career actuaries gain experience and pass additional exams, they could see their earnings approach the 25th percentile salary of $92,517 within just a few years. With a projected growth rate of 3.20% annually, those entering the field now can anticipate meaningful salary increases, making Wooster an attractive option for aspiring actuaries fresh out of university.
About the Wooster Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wooster
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 Wooster
Entry-level actuarys in Wooster, OH typically start between $77,713 and $92,517 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $104,807 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $117,754 — 12.23% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Ohio of $50,000 represents just 64.34% of the starting actuary pay ($77,713/year) in Wooster. 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 Wooster
- 1Research the Wooster market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $77,713 to $92,517, 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 Wooster, 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 Wooster for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wooster'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 Wooster is $104,807 ( 134.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,713, experienced hygienists can earn up to $182,520.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,163
2025 BLS Actual
$75,303
2026 Current Est.
$77,713
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Wooster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,163 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,284 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,776 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,246 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,843 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,303 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,713 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,200 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Wooster, OH grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,163 in 2019 to $75,303 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,200. New graduates entering the Wooster job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wooster 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 Wooster
Several employers in Wooster actively recruit entry-level actuaries, providing an array of opportunities for new graduates. Large life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife have dedicated pathways for actuarial students, offering structured exam study time that aids in gaining professional credentials. Additionally, health insurance firms and consulting companies such as Milliman, Mercer, and Aon often seek new talent, especially those with ASA credentials. A strong educational background in math or actuarial science paired with passing key exams or obtaining VEE credits can significantly enhance starting pay in Ohio. As new actuaries progress through their first few years, passing actuarial exams adds substantial value—often translating to salary increases of $3,000 to $8,000 per passed exam. Therefore, new graduates in Wooster should remain engaged in continuing education and exam preparation to maximize their earning potential in the evolving actuarial landscape.
More salary data for Wooster, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Wooster in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Wooster?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Wooster?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Wooster?
How do I become a actuary in Ohio?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Wooster. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wooster 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