Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Sheridan, WY: $65,599 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Sheridan, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,599 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sheridan's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,475 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($103,952) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those exploring an entry-level actuary role in Sheridan, Wyoming, the initial paycheck is projected to start around $65,599 in 2026. This baseline salary presents a substantial contrast to the city’s median annual wage of $103,952, indicating a notable gap for new graduates entering the field. Over the first few years, as they gain experience and possibly pass actuarial exams, pay progression is expected to follow a positive trajectory, reaching up to $78,859 by the 25th percentile and ultimately aiming for the city median within 3-5 years. Given the city's economic profile and moderate cost of living index of 95.8, Sheridan can be characterized as a relatively supportive market for aspiring actuaries, although they should be prepared for salary expectations that trail behind national averages.
About the Sheridan Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sheridan
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 Sheridan
Entry-level actuarys in Sheridan, WY typically start between $65,599 and $78,859 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $95,527 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $103,952 — 22.52% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Wyoming of $38,000 represents just 57.93% of the starting actuary pay ($65,599/year) in Sheridan. 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 Sheridan
- 1Research the Sheridan market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $65,599 to $78,859, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Sheridan, 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 Sheridan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sheridan's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Sheridan is $95,527 ( 145.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,599, experienced hygienists can earn up to $161,126.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,473
2025 BLS Actual
$63,565
2026 Current Est.
$65,599
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Sheridan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,473 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,420 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,179 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,056 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,984 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,692 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,565 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,599 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,698 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Sheridan, WY grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,473 in 2019 to $63,565 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,698. New graduates entering the Sheridan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sheridan 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 Sheridan
New graduates searching for actuary positions in Sheridan will find opportunities primarily within major life and health insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife, which often hire through established university pipelines. Additionally, consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer seek analysts who are earning or have earned their Associate (ASA) designation, typically providing attractive remuneration when compared to typical entry-level salaries. A robust strategy involves pursuing essential credentials, as each passed actuarial exam can significantly enhance starting pay, contributing $3,000-$8,000 to base salary. Furthermore, pursuing VEE credits in economics or accounting can also bolster one’s qualifications. As these new professionals gain foundational experience, realistic salary growth expectations for the first three years can see entry-level compensations progress into the mid-range salaries within the local market, especially for those pursuing further credentials towards Fellow status (FSA/FCAS).
More salary data for Sheridan, WY:
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 Sheridan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sheridan 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