Lowell vs Woburn: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Lowell, MA and Woburn, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lowell, MA | Woburn, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $145,966▲ | $138,491 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.18▲ | $66.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,097▲ | $88,145 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,003▲ | $102,897 |
| 75th Percentile | $186,836▲ | $177,269 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $226,247▲ | $214,661 |
| Total Employed | 29▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Lowell, MA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Woburn.
The salary gap between Lowell and Woburn is $7,475 (5.40%). 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 Lowell spans $135,150,Woburn spans $126,516. Lowell has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lowell ($134,531 effective) pays 5.40% more than Woburn ($127,641 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Woburn if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Lowell grew -8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -8.5% growth in Woburn over the same period.
Lowell, MA
$154,497 (2024) → $141,440 (2025)
Woburn, MA
$146,584 (2024) → $134,197 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lowell, MA
Woburn, MA
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
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