Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Syracuse, UT: $75,274 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Syracuse, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,274 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Syracuse's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,732 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($127,893) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Actuaries entering the workforce in Syracuse, Utah, can expect a starting salary of around $75,274 in 2026. This figure is on the lower end of the spectrum compared to the median annual salary of $127,893, reflecting an approximate gap of $52,619. New graduates can anticipate a growth trajectory that quickly raises their compensation into the P25 range of $98,288 within their first few years. For those starting their careers in Syracuse, the job market appears favorable, providing opportunities to develop their skills while gradually increasing their earnings over the initial 3-5 years of employment.
About the Syracuse Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Syracuse
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 Syracuse
Entry-level actuarys in Syracuse, UT typically start between $75,274 and $98,288 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $122,960 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $127,893 — 4.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Utah of $45,000 represents just 59.78% of the starting actuary pay ($75,274/year) in Syracuse. 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 Syracuse
- 1Research the Syracuse market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $75,274 to $98,288, 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 Syracuse, 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 Syracuse for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Syracuse'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 Syracuse is $122,960 ( 163.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,274, experienced hygienists can earn up to $198,234.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,212
2025 BLS Actual
$72,940
2026 Current Est.
$75,274
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Syracuse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,212 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,299 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,727 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,618 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,979 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,829 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,274 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,683 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Syracuse, UT grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,212 in 2019 to $72,940 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,683. New graduates entering the Syracuse job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Syracuse 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 Syracuse
In Syracuse, notable employers like Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual are actively seeking new graduates to fill entry-level actuarial positions. These firms often offer structured study programs for exam preparation, which can facilitate rapid salary increases. Health insurers and consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer also hire entry-level actuaries; however, they typically look for candidates who have earned their ASA credentials, which suggests a commitment to professional development. The foundational qualifications, such as a bachelor's degree in actuarial science, math, or finance, alongside passing several exams from the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS), can significantly enhance starting pay. Given the critical nature of exam progression—where each passed exam can add $3,000 to $8,000 to base salary—new entrants should continuously work toward advancing their credentials, as this strategic approach will not only improve their immediate earning potential but also position them competitively within the broader actuarial market.
More salary data for Syracuse, 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 Syracuse. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Syracuse 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