Actuary Pay

Johnston vs Pawtucket: Actuary Salary (2026)

Compare actuary salaries between Johnston, RI and Pawtucket, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Johnston, RI
$130,383
$62.68/hr
Pawtucket, RI
$134,684
$64.75/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJohnston, RIPawtucket, RI
Median Salary$130,383$134,684
Hourly Rate$62.68$64.75
Entry Level (P10)$86,443$78,444
25th Percentile$99,427$97,974
75th Percentile$166,890$172,396
Top Earner (P90)$202,093$208,760
Total Employed816
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Johnston ($130,383) and Pawtucket ($134,684) actuary salaries.JohnstonPawtucketMedian Salary$130,383$134,684Entry Level (P10)$86,443$78,444Top Earner (P90)$202,093$208,760US Median $134,160

Verdict

Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnston.

The salary gap between Johnston and Pawtucket is $4,301 (3.30%). Pawtucket's median is +0.39% compared to the US national median of $134,160.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnston spans $115,650,Pawtucket spans $130,316. Pawtucket has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.

Johnston
P10 (Entry)$86,443
P25$99,427
Median$130,383
P75$166,890
P90 (Top)$202,093
Pawtucket
P10 (Entry)$78,444
P25$97,974
Median$134,684
P75$172,396
P90 (Top)$208,760

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pawtucket ($134,014 effective) pays 3.30% more than Johnston ($129,734 effective).

Johnston
Nominal: $130,383
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $129,734
Pawtucket
Nominal: $134,684
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $134,014

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Johnston if…

  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Choose Pawtucket if…

  • Higher median salary ($134,684/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($208,760)
  • Larger job market (16 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,014)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Johnston grew 8.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Pawtucket over the same period.

Johnston, RI

+8.3%

$116,622 (2024) → $126,340 (2025)

Pawtucket, RI

+8.3%

$120,469 (2024) → $130,508 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays actuarys more: Johnston or Pawtucket?

Pawtucket has a higher median actuary salary at $134,684/year, compared to Johnston at $130,383/year — a difference of $4,301 (3.30%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Johnston and Pawtucket?

Johnston actuarys earn $62.68/hr while Pawtucket hygienists earn $64.75/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Johnston to Pawtucket as a actuary?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Johnston and Pawtucket. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Johnston = $129,734, Pawtucket = $134,014), job availability (8 vs 16 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level actuarys earn in Johnston vs Pawtucket?

Entry-level (10th percentile) actuarys earn $86,443 in Johnston and $78,444 in Pawtucket. The Johnston 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