Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Franklin, TN: $76,345 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Franklin, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,345 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,164 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($121,421) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Franklin, Tennessee, aspiring actuaries can expect to start their careers with salaries around $76,345, while the city’s overall median annual salary reaches $121,421. This entry-level actuary salary in Franklin illustrates a notable gap of approximately $45,076, underscoring the potential for significant growth in earnings as newcomers build their credentials and expertise over the initial years. Early-career professionals typically see a trajectory from the P10 level through to the P25 mark of $92,546, indicating that those who pass actuarial exams and gain relevant experience can easily escalate their pay within the first three to five years. Given Franklin’s competitive market and its growing demand for actuarial talent, it’s a favorable location for new graduates looking to establish themselves in this profession.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin
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 Franklin
Entry-level actuarys in Franklin, TN typically start between $76,345 and $92,546 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $111,858 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $121,421 — 9.5% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Tennessee of $48,000 represents just 62.87% of the starting actuary pay ($76,345/year) in Franklin. 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 Franklin
- 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $76,345 to $92,546, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Franklin, 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 Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Franklin'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 Franklin is $111,858 ( 146.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,345, experienced hygienists can earn up to $188,203.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,069
2025 BLS Actual
$73,978
2026 Current Est.
$76,345
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,069 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,171 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,563 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,566 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,974 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,289 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,978 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,345 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,788 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, TN grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,069 in 2019 to $73,978 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,788. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
Professionals looking for entry-level positions in Franklin may find opportunities with major life insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife, which actively recruit new grads. These firms often provide structured support for exam preparation, a critical component in advancing one's career. Health insurers and consulting firms, like Mercer and Aon, also offer prospects for those who hold or pursue the Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) designation. To enhance their starting actuary salary in Franklin, new graduates are encouraged to pursue their actuarial exams diligently, as each passed exam can lead to salary increases ranging from $3,000 to $8,000. Holding a Bachelor's degree in fields such as mathematics or actuarial science and obtaining Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) credits can further elevate starting pay. In the first three years, realistic salary growth can reflect increasing responsibilities and deeper industry knowledge, particularly for those who cultivate skills in predictive analytics or data science, which are becoming increasingly essential in today's actuarial practice.
More salary data for Franklin, TN:
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 Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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