Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Middleton, WI: $76,625 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Middleton, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,625 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Middleton's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,040 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,850) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the actuarial field in Middleton, Wisconsin, can expect to begin their careers with a starting actuary salary of approximately $76,625. This figure represents the 10th percentile, illustrating the lower end of the salary spectrum for entry-level positions, while the median annual salary for all actuaries in the area is projected at $115,850. There is a substantial gap between these figures, highlighting a typical growth trajectory as early-career actuaries move toward the 25th percentile salary of $90,442 within the first few years. For individuals fresh out of college, Middleton presents a reasonable market, especially considering its competitive salary range, which could well reflect the city's overall cost of living index of 93.4, significantly below the national average.
About the Middleton Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Middleton
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 Middleton
Entry-level actuarys in Middleton, WI typically start between $76,625 and $90,442 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $102,943 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,850 — 13.65% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Wisconsin of $48,000 represents just 62.64% of the starting actuary pay ($76,625/year) in Middleton. 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 Middleton
- 1Research the Middleton market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $76,625 to $90,442, 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 Middleton, 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 Middleton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Middleton'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 Middleton is $102,943 ( 134.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,625, experienced hygienists can earn up to $179,568.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,293
2025 BLS Actual
$74,249
2026 Current Est.
$76,625
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Middleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,293 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,399 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,781 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,814 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,234 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,991 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,249 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,625 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,077 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Middleton, WI grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,293 in 2019 to $74,249 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,077. New graduates entering the Middleton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Middleton 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 Middleton
Several reputable employers actively recruit entry-level actuaries in Middleton, including major life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, alongside health insurance firms and consulting giants, such as Milliman and Mercer. These organizations often offer structured training programs incorporating exam study time, which is critical for advancing one's salary. New grads with a bachelor's degree in actuarial science, mathematics, or related fields, who also pass initial actuarial exams, will find that credentials significantly impact earning potential. As actuaries complete their ASA designations, it’s common to see base salary increases of $3,000 to $8,000 per exam passed. The first 1-3 years can be a time of substantial growth, with ongoing education and the acquisition of predictive analytics skills becoming increasingly essential in this evolving industry.
More salary data for Middleton, 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 Middleton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Middleton 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