Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Sun Prairie, WI: $71,646 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Sun Prairie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,646 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sun Prairie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,709 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($121,755) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A new graduate entering the actuarial profession in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, can expect starting salaries around $71,646 in 2026. This figure represents a significant entry-level benchmark but is notably less than the city's median salary of $121,755. However, there is a clear growth trajectory as new actuaries advance in their careers; salaries can rise to approximately $96,265 for those at the 25th percentile within a few years, with many reaching the median within 3 to 5 years. Given its competitive entry-level salary expectations and the potential for steady growth, Sun Prairie presents a favorable market for new actuarial graduates.
About the Sun Prairie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sun Prairie
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 Sun Prairie
Entry-level actuarys in Sun Prairie, WI typically start between $71,646 and $96,265 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $117,075 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $121,755 — 9.25% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Wisconsin of $48,000 represents just 67.00% of the starting actuary pay ($71,646/year) in Sun Prairie. 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 Sun Prairie
- 1Research the Sun Prairie market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $71,646 to $96,265, 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 Sun Prairie, 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 Sun Prairie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sun Prairie'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 Sun Prairie is $117,075 ( 163.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,646, experienced hygienists can earn up to $188,721.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,310
2025 BLS Actual
$69,424
2026 Current Est.
$71,646
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Sun Prairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,310 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,344 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,896 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,407 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,605 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,450 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,424 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,646 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,938 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Sun Prairie, WI grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,310 in 2019 to $69,424 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,938. New graduates entering the Sun Prairie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie
In Sun Prairie, major employers like Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual typically seek out newly minted graduates from universities with strong actuarial programs. These companies not only provide entry-level opportunities but also a structured environment where candidates can prepare for necessary actuarial exams, encouraging a progression that positively reflects on earnings. Certifications such as ASA or ACAS are vital, and passing these exams can boost a new grad actuary's pay significantly, often adding between $3,000 and $8,000 per exam passed. Additionally, mastering predictive analytics and data science skills is becoming increasingly essential within this sector. Thus, a strategic focus on obtaining credentials early on—such as acquiring VEE credits and aiming for Fellow status—can accelerate financial growth and job prospects in this competitive field. With realistic salary growth projections in the early years, savvy graduates can effectively position themselves to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the Sun Prairie market.
More salary data for Sun Prairie, 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 Sun Prairie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sun Prairie 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