Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Sevierville, TN: $70,620 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Sevierville, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,620 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sevierville's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,928 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($116,274) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level actuary salary in Sevierville, Tennessee, is projected to start at around $70,620, which establishes a significant gap compared to the city's median annual salary of $116,274. For new graduates, this initial pay reflects realistic expectations, particularly as they embark on their careers in a smaller market like Sevierville. As they gain experience and possibly earn additional qualifications, they can progress toward the 25th percentile salary of $86,571 within just a few years. This growth trajectory offers promising potential in an area known for its beauty and lifestyle, making Sevierville an intriguing option for aspiring actuaries who value both career opportunities and community living.
About the Sevierville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sevierville
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 Sevierville
Entry-level actuarys in Sevierville, TN typically start between $70,620 and $86,571 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $109,605 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $116,274 — 13.33% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Tennessee of $48,000 represents just 67.97% of the starting actuary pay ($70,620/year) in Sevierville. 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 Sevierville
- 1Research the Sevierville market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $70,620 to $86,571, 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 Sevierville, 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 Sevierville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sevierville'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 Sevierville is $109,605 ( 155.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,620, experienced hygienists can earn up to $180,225.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,489
2025 BLS Actual
$68,430
2026 Current Est.
$70,620
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Sevierville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,489 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,508 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,096 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,499 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,652 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,882 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,430 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,620 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,880 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Sevierville, TN grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,489 in 2019 to $68,430 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,880. New graduates entering the Sevierville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sevierville 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 Sevierville
Actuarial students graduating from Sevierville can find entry-level opportunities primarily with large national firms like Prudential and MetLife, which hire through structured pathways that include exam preparation. Health insurers also seek entry-level talent, while consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer look for candidates with the Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) credential, offering relatively higher starting salaries that can be advantageous. New actuaries should consider focusing on passing actuarial exams, as compensation progresses significantly with each qualification—typically adding between $3,000 and $8,000 to the base salary. Continuing education through VEE credits in economics, accounting, and mathematics will also enhance job prospects in TN. Overall, while entry-level salaries may lag behind the national median of $134,160, the local market's potential for career advancement in the first three years remains strong with dedication to professional growth and qualifications.
More salary data for Sevierville, 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 Sevierville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sevierville 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