Boston vs Worcester: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Boston, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,737▲ | $127,111 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.30▲ | $61.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,938▲ | $81,187 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,179▲ | $84,046 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,705▲ | $166,080 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,502 | $195,585▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | 80 |
Verdict
Boston and Worcester are closely matched on overall actuary compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Boston and Worcester is $6,626 (5.21%). Boston's median is -0.32% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $96,564,Worcester spans $114,398. Worcester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Worcester ($123,983 effective) pays 0.37% more than Boston ($123,526 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,737/year)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($195,585)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,983)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Boston grew 12.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.0% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Boston, MA
$114,760 (2019) → $129,590 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$94,780 (2019) → $123,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Boston or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Boston to Worcester as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Boston vs Worcester?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov