Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $77,286 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Manitowoc, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,286 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manitowoc's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,747 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($119,840) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the actuarial profession in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the starting pay reflects a modest entry point in comparison to the city's median annual salary of $119,840. Depending on experience and negotiation skills, individuals can expect an entry-level actuary salary in Manitowoc to start around $77,286 as they enter the market. This translates to a gap between initial compensation and the median salary of approximately $42,500, indicating that while there is substantial growth potential, new entrants may have to establish their expertise before reaching higher salary brackets. Over the first few years, many can anticipate transitioning from the initial entry-level figure to around $92,450, approaching median earnings as they gain experience and credentials.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manitowoc
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 Manitowoc
Entry-level actuarys in Manitowoc, WI typically start between $77,286 and $92,450 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $108,466 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $119,840 — 10.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Wisconsin of $48,000 represents just 62.11% of the starting actuary pay ($77,286/year) in Manitowoc. 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 Manitowoc
- 1Research the Manitowoc market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $77,286 to $92,450, 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 Manitowoc, 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 Manitowoc for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manitowoc'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 Manitowoc is $108,466 ( 140.34%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,286, experienced hygienists can earn up to $185,752.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,822
2025 BLS Actual
$74,890
2026 Current Est.
$77,286
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,822 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,937 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,297 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,399 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,849 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,591 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,890 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,286 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,760 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Manitowoc, WI grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,822 in 2019 to $74,890 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,760. New graduates entering the Manitowoc job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc
New graduates seeking careers as actuaries have various opportunities available, particularly with major life insurers like Prudential and MetLife, which often recruit through structured campus programs, providing entry-level roles that support continued education and exam preparation for actuarial certifications. Other potential employers include health insurance companies and consulting firms such as Milliman, Mercer, and Aon, which tend to offer competitive pay, especially for those on the path to obtaining the ASA or FSA credentials. Starting salaries can see significant boosts for each actuarial exam passed, typically adding $3,000 to $8,000 to base pay. With continuing education and focus on credentials, such as VEE credits and advanced designations, new grads can set clear salary growth goals and gain valuable skills, especially in analytics, which are increasingly sought after in the market. This strategic investment in education and exam preparedness can substantially enhance earning potential within the first few years in the field.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
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 Manitowoc. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manitowoc 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