Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Caledonia, WI: $70,907 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Caledonia, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,907 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Caledonia's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,918 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($121,425) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Caledonia, Wisconsin, presents a promising opportunity for new graduates embarking on an actuarial career in 2026. The entry-level actuary salary in the area starts at approximately $70,907, which is noticeably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $121,425. This gap reflects the typical progression of salaries as professionals gain experience, with entry-level positions leading toward the 25th percentile salary of $95,602 within just a few years. For recent graduates, this trajectory suggests that while starting salaries may be modest, there is potential for growth, especially in a market like Caledonia, where the demand for actuaries is steadily increasing due to a competitive but manageable cost of living index of 93.4 compared to the national average.
About the Caledonia Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Caledonia
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 Caledonia
Entry-level actuarys in Caledonia, WI typically start between $70,907 and $95,602 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $117,302 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $121,425 — 9.49% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Wisconsin of $48,000 represents just 67.69% of the starting actuary pay ($70,907/year) in Caledonia. 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 Caledonia
- 1Research the Caledonia market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $70,907 to $95,602, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Caledonia, 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 Caledonia for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Caledonia'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 Caledonia is $117,302 ( 165.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,907, experienced hygienists can earn up to $188,209.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,719
2025 BLS Actual
$68,708
2026 Current Est.
$70,907
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Caledonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,719 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,742 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,320 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,753 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,918 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,043 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,708 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,907 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,176 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Caledonia, WI grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,719 in 2019 to $68,708 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,176. New graduates entering the Caledonia job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Caledonia 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 Caledonia
In Caledonia, employers that hire new actuaries include substantial life and health insurance providers, such as Prudential and Northwestern Mutual, which often recruit directly from universities and provide structured pathways for exam preparation. Additionally, consulting firms like Milliman and Aon actively seek candidates holding ASA credentials, often offering enhanced starting pay for those with actuarial exams already passed. New graduates can enhance their marketability by pursuing relevant bachelor's degrees, achieving VEE credits, and beginning their exam journey early. With each exam passed yielding an estimated increase in compensation of $3,000 to $8,000, new actuaries can expect to see meaningful salary growth within their first few years as they navigate the initial steps of their careers. As the industry increasingly values predictive analytics and data science skills, those who invest early in their credentialing and skill development will be well-positioned to capitalize on the evolving job market in Caledonia, WI.
More salary data for Caledonia, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Caledonia in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Caledonia?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Caledonia?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Caledonia?
How do I become a actuary in Wisconsin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 Caledonia. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Caledonia 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