Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Oshkosh, WI: $79,200 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Oshkosh, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,200 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oshkosh's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,797 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($123,521) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those embarking on an actuarial career in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the starting pay is anticipated to be around $79,200 annually in 2026. While this figure sits below the city's median salary of $123,521, it represents an accessible entry point for new graduates. Within three to five years, early-career professionals can expect to progress to a salary range of approximately $95,296, with continued growth towards the median salary as they gain experience and credentials. The Oshkosh market presents favorable conditions for aspiring actuaries, given its relatively strong job opportunities and a projected growth rate of 3.20% annually, making it a viable option for new grads looking to start their careers.
About the Oshkosh Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oshkosh
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 Oshkosh
Entry-level actuarys in Oshkosh, WI typically start between $79,200 and $95,296 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $112,258 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $123,521 — 7.93% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Wisconsin of $48,000 represents just 60.61% of the starting actuary pay ($79,200/year) in Oshkosh. 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 Oshkosh
- 1Research the Oshkosh market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $79,200 to $95,296, 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 Oshkosh, 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 Oshkosh for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oshkosh'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 Oshkosh is $112,258 ( 141.74%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,200, experienced hygienists can earn up to $191,458.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,353
2025 BLS Actual
$76,744
2026 Current Est.
$79,200
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Oshkosh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,353 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,495 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,092 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,628 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,331 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,744 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,200 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,734 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Oshkosh, WI grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,353 in 2019 to $76,744 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,734. New graduates entering the Oshkosh job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh
Employers in Oshkosh that typically hire entry-level actuaries include major life insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife, along with health insurers that value fresh talent for their analytical capabilities. Consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer also seek new graduates, especially those who have achieved ASA credentials, as these roles often come with structured training and exam support. A strong educational background in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science is crucial, as is the ability to pass your early actuarial exams, which can significantly influence starting compensation. With each passed exam contributing an increase in base pay—ranging from $3,000 to $8,000—new actuaries should strategically prioritize their learning, especially in predictive analytics and data science, skills increasingly demanded in this evolving field. Realistic salary growth for early-career professionals in Oshkosh can be expected as they achieve their ASA or move toward fellowship, positioning themselves favorably in a competitive market.
More salary data for Oshkosh, 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 Oshkosh. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Oshkosh 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