Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Wichita, KS: $69,066 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Wichita, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,066 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wichita's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,980 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($119,079) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the actuarial profession in Wichita, Kansas, can expect starting salaries around $69,066, reflecting the initial range for entry-level actuarial positions. This figure represents a substantial gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $119,079. However, newcomers should remain optimistic about their financial trajectory. Within their first few years, most will progress from entry-level earnings toward the 25th percentile salary of $85,738, gradually moving toward the median as they gain experience and pass professional exams. Given the current economic landscape, Wichita presents a viable opportunity for new graduates entering this field, particularly as the demand for actuaries continues to grow.
About the Wichita Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wichita
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 Wichita
Entry-level actuarys in Wichita, KS typically start between $69,066 and $85,738 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $115,507 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $119,079 — 11.24% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Kansas of $40,000 represents just 57.92% of the starting actuary pay ($69,066/year) in Wichita. 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 Wichita
- 1Research the Wichita market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $69,066 to $85,738, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Wichita, 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 Wichita for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wichita'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 Wichita is $115,507 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,066, experienced hygienists can earn up to $184,573.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,246
2025 BLS Actual
$66,924
2026 Current Est.
$69,066
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Wichita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,246 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,243 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,883 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,123 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,207 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,971 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,924 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,066 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,276 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Wichita, KS grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,246 in 2019 to $66,924 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,276. New graduates entering the Wichita job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wichita 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 Wichita
Various organizations actively recruit entry-level actuaries in Wichita. Major life insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife, alongside health insurers and consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer, look for fresh talent. The pathway to higher compensation typically begins with obtaining a bachelor's degree in math, statistics, or actuarial science. Passing the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) exams and acquiring Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) credits can significantly enhance starting salaries. New entrants into the field can expect to see their pay increase as they pass exams—each success can elevate base salary by $3,000 to $8,000. As actuaries gain credentials such as the Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) or Fellowship, their earning potential expands notably, particularly with consulting firms offering premium compensation for those with higher qualifications. In the first few years, realistic expectations for salary growth are profound, with significant increases as more exams are passed and skills in predictive analytics or data science become compulsory traits for aspiring professionals in this competitive local market.
More salary data for Wichita, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Wichita in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Wichita?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Wichita?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Wichita?
How do I become a actuary in Kansas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 Wichita. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wichita 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