Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Orem, UT: $81,377 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Orem, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,377 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Orem's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,953 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($128,925) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of actuarial science in Orem, UT can anticipate a starting salary of around $81,377. When compared to the median annual pay of $128,925 for all actuaries in the city, this entry-level figure reflects a significant gap. However, it is essential for recent graduates to understand that there is a well-defined growth trajectory in earnings as they gain experience and pass professional exams. Over the first three to five years of their careers, it’s realistic for actuaries to move from this initial pay up to approximately $98,499, and even to approach the city’s median salary as they advance their qualifications. With Orem’s growing market for actuaries, particularly among large insurance and consulting firms, it's an advantageous time for new hires entering the profession.
About the Orem Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Orem
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 Orem
Entry-level actuarys in Orem, UT typically start between $81,377 and $98,499 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $118,456 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $128,925 — 3.9% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Utah of $45,000 represents just 55.30% of the starting actuary pay ($81,377/year) in Orem. 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 Orem
- 1Research the Orem market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $81,377 to $98,499, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Orem, 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 Orem for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Orem's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Orem is $118,456 ( 145.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,377, experienced hygienists can earn up to $199,833.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,094
2025 BLS Actual
$78,854
2026 Current Est.
$81,377
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Orem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,094 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,269 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,489 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,019 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,652 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,076 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,854 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,377 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,981 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Orem, UT grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,094 in 2019 to $78,854 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,981. New graduates entering the Orem job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Orem 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 Orem
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Employers in Orem actively seek freshly minted graduates to fill entry-level actuary roles, particularly large life insurance companies like Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual. These institutions often recruit through college campus channels and provide structured environments for exam preparation, which is crucial for career advancement. Additionally, health insurance providers and consulting firms such as Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW are also keen on hiring entry-level talent. Strengthening one's qualifications through education in mathematics or actuarial science, coupled with passing actuarial exams and earning VEE credits, can have a positive impact on compensation. For instance, achieving the Associate (ASA) designation, which typically requires four to five years of effort and up to seven exams, can significantly raise starting pay. Furthermore, successful early-career actuaries often see their salaries grow alongside each passed exam—results that can add $3,000 to $8,000 each time. Given the increasing importance of predictive analytics and data science skills in the industry, investing in these areas can further boost earning potential in Orem’s vibrant actuarial market.
More salary data for Orem, UT:
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 Orem. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Orem 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