Entry-Level Actuary Salary in La Vergne, TN: $75,594 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the La Vergne, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,594 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out La Vergne's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,346 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($117,624) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the actuarial field in La Vergne, TN, the starting pay landscape is quite promising. In 2026, entry-level actuaries can expect a salary around $75,594, reflecting a gap between starting salaries and the city median of $117,624. This variation demonstrates a clear growth trajectory, where early-career professionals can enhance their earning potential significantly within just a few years. As they advance from the 10th percentile salary through to the 25th percentile, there is a realistic expectation of reaching $90,546, as they gain experience, skills, and possibly begin passing their actuarial exams. Given the 3.20% annual growth rate projected across this sector, La Vergne is currently a reasonable market for new grads looking to build a robust career in actuarial science.
About the La Vergne Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in La Vergne
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 La Vergne
Entry-level actuarys in La Vergne, TN typically start between $75,594 and $90,546 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $106,723 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $117,624 — 12.33% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Tennessee of $48,000 represents just 63.50% of the starting actuary pay ($75,594/year) in La Vergne. 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 La Vergne
- 1Research the La Vergne market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $75,594 to $90,546, 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 La Vergne, 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 La Vergne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5La Vergne'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 La Vergne is $106,723 ( 141.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,594, experienced hygienists can earn up to $182,317.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,468
2025 BLS Actual
$73,250
2026 Current Est.
$75,594
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in La Vergne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,468 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,559 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,977 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,901 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,276 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,159 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,250 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,594 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,013 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in La Vergne, TN grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,468 in 2019 to $73,250 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,013. New graduates entering the La Vergne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the La Vergne 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 La Vergne
Analyzing the hiring landscape in La Vergne reveals that several key employers actively seek new actuarial talent. Large life insurers such as Prudential and MetLife often recruit recent graduates through structured campus programs, providing resources for exam study while ensuring new hires acclimate effectively. Health insurers and consulting firms like Mercer and Aon also show strong interest in fresh talent, particularly those who are progressing through their exams efficiently. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, or a related field is crucial for stepping into these roles. It typically takes 4-5 years to attain an Associate (ASA/ACAS) credential, an important progression that can significantly enhance starting actuary pay in TN. Each passed exam typically adds $3,000 to $8,000 to one's base salary, making exam progression the key compensation driver during the first few years. New graduates should prioritize securing exam credits and gaining relevant experience to realize salary growth expectations that can notably elevate their earning potential in La Vergne's competitive job market.
More salary data for La Vergne, TN:
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 La Vergne. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for La Vergne 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