Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Pewaukee, WI: $74,921 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Pewaukee, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,921 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pewaukee's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,215 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($119,394) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates seeking entry-level positions in the actuarial field, Pewaukee, Wisconsin offers a competitive environment in 2026, with a starting actuary salary of $74,921. This figure reflects a notable gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $119,394, pointing to a considerable growth trajectory as entry-level actuaries typically progress over their initial years. A realistic path for recent graduates may see earnings climbing to approximately $90,266 after gaining some experience or achieving additional credentials. Given Pewaukee's current market, this overall compensation framework positions the city as a promising venue for new entrants into the actuarial profession, bolstered by the region's lower cost of living compared to national averages.
About the Pewaukee Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pewaukee
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 Pewaukee
Entry-level actuarys in Pewaukee, WI typically start between $74,921 and $90,266 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $105,327 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $119,394 — 11.01% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Wisconsin of $48,000 represents just 64.07% of the starting actuary pay ($74,921/year) in Pewaukee. 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 Pewaukee
- 1Research the Pewaukee market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $74,921 to $90,266, 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 Pewaukee, 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 Pewaukee for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pewaukee'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 Pewaukee is $105,327 ( 140.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,921, experienced hygienists can earn up to $180,248.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,930
2025 BLS Actual
$72,598
2026 Current Est.
$74,921
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Pewaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,011 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,452 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,306 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,419 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,598 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,921 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,319 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Pewaukee, WI grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,930 in 2019 to $72,598 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,319. New graduates entering the Pewaukee job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pewaukee 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 Pewaukee
Employers in Pewaukee actively recruit new talent, particularly from large life insurance firms such as Prudential and MetLife, as well as health insurers and consultancy agencies like Milliman and Mercer. Many of these organizations offer structured support for passing actuarial exams, enhancing entry-level pay for aspiring actuaries. Bachelor's degrees in math, statistics, or actuarial science serve as foundational education, while pursuing credentials like the ASA significantly affects earning potential over time. Each passed exam can contribute significantly to base salary growth—typically an increase of $3,000 to $8,000—especially important in the first three years where early-career professionals are establishing themselves. With firms rewarding advanced qualifications, the potential for upward mobility in terms of salary and responsibilities remains high, especially for those gaining expertise in data science and predictive analytics. Therefore, the Pewaukee market provides a solid footing for career advancement, making it an appealing locale for new graduates embarking on their actuarial journeys.
More salary data for Pewaukee, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Pewaukee in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Pewaukee?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Pewaukee?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Pewaukee?
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 Pewaukee. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pewaukee 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