Entry-Level Actuary Salary in West Allis, WI: $73,426 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the West Allis, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,426 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out West Allis's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,615 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($125,407) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Allis, Wisconsin, new graduates entering the actuarial profession can anticipate a starting salary around $73,426 in 2026. While this amount is significantly lower than the city’s overall median annual salary of $125,407, it sets a foundation for growth as one progresses in their career. Over the first three to five years, new actuaries can expect their earnings to rise, potentially reaching $91,514 by the 25th percentile and approaching the median as they gain experience and pass necessary exams. Given the growth trajectory of 3.20% annually in the field, West Allis presents a viable market for entry-level actuaries, especially with its reasonable cost of living index of 93.4.
About the West Allis Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in West Allis
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 West Allis
Entry-level actuarys in West Allis, WI typically start between $73,426 and $91,514 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $120,954 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $125,407 — 6.52% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Wisconsin of $48,000 represents just 65.37% of the starting actuary pay ($73,426/year) in West Allis. 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 West Allis
- 1Research the West Allis market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $73,426 to $91,514, 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 West Allis, 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 West Allis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5West Allis'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 West Allis is $120,954 ( 164.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,426, experienced hygienists can earn up to $194,380.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,734
2025 BLS Actual
$71,149
2026 Current Est.
$73,426
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in West Allis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,734 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,793 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,285 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,982 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,260 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,143 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,149 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,426 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,775 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in West Allis, WI grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,734 in 2019 to $71,149 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,775. New graduates entering the West Allis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Allis 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 West Allis
Employers in West Allis that actively recruit entry-level actuaries include large life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, which often utilize campus recruitment and provide support for exam preparation. Health insurance firms also hire new grads, while consulting firms such as Milliman, Mercer, and Aon typically seek candidates with ASA credentials at higher starting salaries. To enhance their earning potential, newly graduated actuaries should focus on achieving professional designations, such as the ASA, which typically requires passing several rigorous exams and completing VEE credits. Given that each passed exam generally translates into a salary increment of $3,000 to $8,000, early-career professionals who prioritize their exam progression will likely see significant financial benefits. With a strong emphasis on predictive analytics and data science skills becoming increasingly valued, those who invest in these areas could further accelerate their career trajectory, with realistic salary growth expectations reflecting increased responsibility and expertise over the initial years in the field.
More salary data for West Allis, 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 West Allis. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for West Allis 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