Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Florence, SC: $69,975 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Florence, SC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,975 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Florence's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,475 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($119,184) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Florence, SC, presents a promising opportunity for those pursuing a career as an actuary, particularly for new graduates entering the field. In 2026, starting salaries for entry-level actuaries are projected to be about $69,975, which is significantly below the city’s annual median salary of $119,184. However, early-career professionals can expect to see growth in their earnings as they gain experience and certifications, moving from the P10 entry-level position to the P25, which reflects a salary of $94,116. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.20%, Florence is cultivating a market for aspiring actuaries, making it a viable location for new graduates seeking to establish themselves in the field.
About the Florence Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Florence
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 Florence
Entry-level actuarys in Florence, SC typically start between $69,975 and $94,116 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $114,759 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $119,184 — 11.16% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in South Carolina of $45,000 represents just 64.31% of the starting actuary pay ($69,975/year) in Florence. 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 Florence
- 1Research the Florence market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $69,975 to $94,116, 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 SC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Florence, 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 Florence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Florence'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 Florence is $114,759 ( 164.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,975, experienced hygienists can earn up to $184,734.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,973
2025 BLS Actual
$67,805
2026 Current Est.
$69,975
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,973 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,983 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,593 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,928 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,052 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,722 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,805 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,975 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,214 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Florence, SC grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,973 in 2019 to $67,805 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,214. New graduates entering the Florence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Florence 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 Florence
Employers in Florence actively recruit new actuarial talent from local universities, particularly from large life insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife. These firms often provide structured study programs for actuarial exams, which are crucial for career advancement. Health insurers and consulting firms, including Milliman and Mercer, also seek entry-level actuaries, particularly those with Associate credentials (ASA) who have started their exam progression. Beneficial degrees in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science, coupled with completion of VEE credits, can enhance starting pay considerably. In the early years, consistently passing exams can lead to salary increases of $3,000 to $8,000 for each exam completed. For new actuaries, a strategic focus on passing exams leads not only to immediate financial gains but also lays the groundwork for long-term career success in a market that is evolving to encompass predictive analytics and data science skills.
More salary data for Florence, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Florence in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Florence?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Florence?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Florence?
How do I become a actuary in South Carolina?
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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 Florence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Florence 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