Entry-Level Actuary Salary in South Burlington, VT: $66,635 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the South Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,635 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,382 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($109,493) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For graduates starting their careers as actuaries in South Burlington, VT, the expected initial salary is around $66,635, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $109,493. This represents a potential gap where new professionals may need to set realistic expectations as they enter the field. Over the first few years, entry-level actuaries can anticipate a gradual increase in their pay. The probability of advancing to $81,620 within the first three to five years is plausible, especially through progressive experience, exam achievements, and skill development. Overall, South Burlington can be considered a favorable market for recent graduates, offering opportunities in a competitive yet supportive environment.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South Burlington
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 South Burlington
Entry-level actuarys in South Burlington, VT typically start between $66,635 and $81,620 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $103,079 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $109,493 — 18.39% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Vermont of $60,000 represents just 90.04% of the starting actuary pay ($66,635/year) in South Burlington. 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 South Burlington
- 1Research the South Burlington market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $66,635 to $81,620, 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 VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in South Burlington, 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 South Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Burlington'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 South Burlington is $103,079 ( 154.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,635, experienced hygienists can earn up to $169,714.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,302
2025 BLS Actual
$64,569
2026 Current Est.
$66,635
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,302 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,264 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,987 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,973 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,947 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,569 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,635 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,768 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in South Burlington, VT grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,302 in 2019 to $64,569 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,768. New graduates entering the South Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Burlington 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 South Burlington
In South Burlington, several key employers actively seek entry-level actuaries, including large life insurers such as Prudential and MetLife, along with health insurers and consulting firms like Milliman, Mercer, and Aon. These institutions often provide structured career tracks and study time for qualifying actuarial exams. To boost starting pay in Vermont, earning a degree in mathematics, statistics, actuarial science, or finance, coupled with passing the Society of Actuaries (SOA) exams, is essential. Moreover, obtaining Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) credits in areas like economics and accounting can further enhance qualifications. With a strategic focus on continuous education and exam progression—each passed exam typically adds $3,000 to $8,000 to a base salary—entry-level actuaries in the region can realistically expect wage growth as they advance.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
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 South Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Burlington 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