Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Cleveland, TN: $77,990 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Cleveland, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,990 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cleveland's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,956 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($120,291) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as an actuary in Cleveland, TN, the starting pay is an important aspect to evaluate. The entry-level actuary salary in this region is projected to be around $77,990 in 2026, considerably lower than the city's median annual salary of $120,291. New graduates can expect to progress from this starting point to approximately $93,197 at the 25th percentile as they gain experience, ultimately reaching the median within the first few years. With a growth rate of 3.20% annually, Cleveland presents a reasonable market for newcomers looking to break into the actuarial profession, even though initial salaries may appear somewhat restrained compared to larger metropolitan areas.
About the Cleveland Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cleveland
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 Cleveland
Entry-level actuarys in Cleveland, TN typically start between $77,990 and $93,197 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $108,461 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $120,291 — 10.34% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Tennessee of $48,000 represents just 61.55% of the starting actuary pay ($77,990/year) in Cleveland. 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 Cleveland
- 1Research the Cleveland market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $77,990 to $93,197, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cleveland, 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 Cleveland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cleveland'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 Cleveland is $108,461 ( 139.07%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,990, experienced hygienists can earn up to $186,451.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,385
2025 BLS Actual
$75,572
2026 Current Est.
$77,990
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,385 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,846 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,022 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,504 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,199 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,572 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,990 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,486 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Cleveland, TN grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,385 in 2019 to $75,572 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,486. New graduates entering the Cleveland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland 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 Cleveland
Cleveland, home to various employers that look for new talent in the actuarial field, offers several pathways for recent graduates. Large life insurers such as Prudential and MetLife often participate in campus recruitment, providing structured training and exam preparation time, while health insurers also hire entry-level actuaries. Consulting firms like Milliman, Mercer, and Aon tend to offer higher starting salaries, particularly for those who have begun the Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) credentialing process. A robust educational background in mathematics, statistics, or finance enhances earning potential. Candidates pursuing actuarial exams can expect pay increases of between $3,000 and $8,000 for each exam passed. Hence, focusing on professional development through exams becomes essential in the first few years. For those who strategically navigate their early career stages, realistic salary growth can lead to a more lucrative position as they obtain credentials like the Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) over the subsequent years.
More salary data for Cleveland, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Cleveland in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Cleveland?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Cleveland?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Cleveland?
How do I become a actuary in Tennessee?
Related Pages
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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 Cleveland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cleveland 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