Actuary Pay

Franklin vs Lowell: Actuary Salary (2026)

Compare actuary salaries between Franklin, MA and Lowell, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Franklin, MA
$138,785
$66.72/hr
Lowell, MA
$145,966
$70.18/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFranklin, MALowell, MA
Median Salary$138,785$145,966
Hourly Rate$66.72$70.18
Entry Level (P10)$88,809$91,097
25th Percentile$103,467$111,003
75th Percentile$177,645$186,836
Top Earner (P90)$215,117$226,247
Total Employed829
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Franklin ($138,785) and Lowell ($145,966) actuary salaries.FranklinLowellMedian Salary$138,785$145,966Entry Level (P10)$88,809$91,097Top Earner (P90)$215,117$226,247US Median $134,160

Verdict

Lowell, MA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Franklin.

The salary gap between Franklin and Lowell is $7,181 (5.17%). Lowell's median is +8.80% compared to the US national median of $134,160.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Franklin spans $126,308,Lowell spans $135,150. Lowell has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.

Franklin
P10 (Entry)$88,809
P25$103,467
Median$138,785
P75$177,645
P90 (Top)$215,117
Lowell
P10 (Entry)$91,097
P25$111,003
Median$145,966
P75$186,836
P90 (Top)$226,247

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lowell ($134,531 effective) pays 5.17% more than Franklin ($127,912 effective).

Franklin
Nominal: $138,785
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $127,912
Lowell
Nominal: $145,966
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $134,531

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Franklin if…

  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Lowell if…

  • Higher median salary ($145,966/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($226,247)
  • Larger job market (29 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,531)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Franklin grew -8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -8.5% growth in Lowell over the same period.

Franklin, MA

+-8.5%

$146,895 (2024) → $134,482 (2025)

Lowell, MA

+-8.5%

$154,497 (2024) → $141,440 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays actuarys more: Franklin or Lowell?

Lowell has a higher median actuary salary at $145,966/year, compared to Franklin at $138,785/year — a difference of $7,181 (5.17%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Franklin and Lowell?

Franklin actuarys earn $66.72/hr while Lowell hygienists earn $70.18/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Franklin to Lowell as a actuary?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Franklin and Lowell. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Franklin = $127,912, Lowell = $134,531), job availability (8 vs 29 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level actuarys earn in Franklin vs Lowell?

Entry-level (10th percentile) actuarys earn $88,809 in Franklin and $91,097 in Lowell. The Lowell area offers higher starting salaries.
MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Patel, ASA, MAAAData verified by Aisha Khan, FSA, CERA

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