Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Lehi, UT: $78,564 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Lehi, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,564 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lehi's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,086 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($127,705) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the actuarial field, the entry-level actuary salary in Lehi, UT, is projected to start at $78,564 in 2026. While the starting pay may seem modest compared to the city median of $127,705, this figure does pave the way for growth as early-career professionals typically see significant salary progression. Over the first few years, graduates can realistically expect compensation to rise from this starting point to approximately $93,338, as they gain experience and potentially secure their first professional credential. With a growth rate of 3.20% forecasted annually, Lehi provides a competitive environment for fresh talent, particularly given the city's attractive cost of living index of 98.1, which is below the national average.
About the Lehi Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lehi
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 Lehi
Entry-level actuarys in Lehi, UT typically start between $78,564 and $93,338 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $119,379 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $127,705 — 4.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Utah of $45,000 represents just 57.28% of the starting actuary pay ($78,564/year) in Lehi. 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 Lehi
- 1Research the Lehi market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $78,564 to $93,338, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lehi, 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 Lehi for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lehi'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 Lehi is $119,379 ( 151.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,564, experienced hygienists can earn up to $197,943.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,844
2025 BLS Actual
$76,128
2026 Current Est.
$78,564
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Lehi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,844 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,978 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,294 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,037 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,671 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,128 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,564 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,078 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Lehi, UT grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,844 in 2019 to $76,128 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,078. New graduates entering the Lehi job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lehi 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 Lehi
Major employers in Lehi play a crucial role in shaping the career trajectories of new actuaries. Companies like Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual are known for hiring entry-level candidates and often provide structured programs for professional development, including dedicated study time for actuarial exams. Health insurers and consulting firms such as Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW also actively seek new talent, frequently emphasizing the importance of credentials like the ASA and FSA. To boost their starting salary, graduates should focus on passing initial exams and fulfilling VEE (Validation by Educational Experience) requirements, as each passed exam can increase pay substantially, typically adding between $3,000 and $8,000 to base salaries. In this specific market, realistic salary growth during the first three years can set the foundation for a rewarding long-term career in the actuarial field, aligning entry-level pay with further progression toward higher earning potential.
More salary data for Lehi, UT:
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 Lehi. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lehi 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