Actuary Pay

Lawrence vs Lowell: Actuary Salary (2026)

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

Lawrence, MA
$141,958
$68.25/hr
Lowell, MA
$145,966
$70.18/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLawrence, MALowell, MA
Median Salary$141,958$145,966
Hourly Rate$68.25$70.18
Entry Level (P10)$88,604$91,097
25th Percentile$107,708$111,003
75th Percentile$181,706$186,836
Top Earner (P90)$220,035$226,247
Total Employed1629
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lawrence ($141,958) and Lowell ($145,966) actuary salaries.LawrenceLowellMedian Salary$141,958$145,966Entry Level (P10)$88,604$91,097Top Earner (P90)$220,035$226,247US Median $134,160

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Lawrence and Lowell is $4,008 (2.82%). 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 Lawrence spans $131,431,Lowell spans $135,150. Lowell has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.

Lawrence
P10 (Entry)$88,604
P25$107,708
Median$141,958
P75$181,706
P90 (Top)$220,035
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 2.82% more than Lawrence ($130,837 effective).

Lawrence
Nominal: $141,958
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $130,837
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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence grew -8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -8.5% growth in Lowell over the same period.

Lawrence, MA

+-8.5%

$150,254 (2024) → $137,556 (2025)

Lowell, MA

+-8.5%

$154,497 (2024) → $141,440 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays actuarys more: Lawrence or Lowell?

Lowell has a higher median actuary salary at $145,966/year, compared to Lawrence at $141,958/year — a difference of $4,008 (2.82%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lawrence and Lowell?

Lawrence actuarys earn $68.25/hr while Lowell hygienists earn $70.18/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lawrence to Lowell as a actuary?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lawrence and Lowell. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lawrence = $130,837, Lowell = $134,531), job availability (16 vs 29 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) actuarys earn $88,604 in Lawrence 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