Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Norman, OK: $70,111 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Norman, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,111 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Norman's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,865 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($120,880) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for new actuaries in Norman, Oklahoma, are projected to be an encouraging gateway into the profession, with entry-level roles offering around $70,111 in 2026. As new graduates step into their first positions, they can reasonably expect to see their pay grow as they gain experience and credentials. The **2026 median annual salary** in this field is projected at $120,880, signaling a significant gap between starting and mid-level salaries, but one that can be bridged over the first few years. With a 3.20% growth trajectory, entry-level actuaries can anticipate ascending through salary thresholds, reaching up to $93,455 in the first few years as they develop their skills and pursue further exam qualifications. In this way, Norman remains a solid market for fresh actuarial talent, facilitating a pathway to lucrative roles within the industry.
About the Norman Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Norman
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 Norman
Entry-level actuarys in Norman, OK typically start between $70,111 and $93,455 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $117,254 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $120,880 — 9.9% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Oklahoma of $40,000 represents just 57.05% of the starting actuary pay ($70,111/year) in Norman. 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 Norman
- 1Research the Norman market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $70,111 to $93,455, 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 OK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Norman, 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 Norman for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Norman'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 Norman is $117,254 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,111, experienced hygienists can earn up to $187,365.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,082
2025 BLS Actual
$67,937
2026 Current Est.
$70,111
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Norman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,082 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,094 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,699 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,049 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,179 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,440 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,937 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,111 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,355 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Norman, OK grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,082 in 2019 to $67,937 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,355. New graduates entering the Norman job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norman 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 Norman
Employers in Norman are actively seeking new talent, with large life insurers such as Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual often recruiting directly from local universities. These companies provide structured environments for entry-level actuaries, offering designated study time for actuarial exams, while health insurance firms also hire new graduates to meet rising demands. Consulting firms like Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW typically recruit ASA-credentialed analysts, offering higher starting salaries compared to insurance providers. Enhancing one’s qualifications through a Bachelor’s degree in fields like mathematics, statistics, or finance, and passing progressive actuarial exams can significantly boost earning potential. Each passed exam often correlates with salary increases between $3,000 and $8,000. Realistically, actuaries in their first few years in Norman can expect to build their base salaries as they advance from entry-level positions to more specialized roles, particularly in consulting where FSA and FCAS credentialed professionals receive premium pay, reflecting the market's increasing reliance on services such as predictive analytics and data science.
More salary data for Norman, OK:
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 Norman. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Norman 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