Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Scarborough, ME: $80,296 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Scarborough, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,296 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Scarborough's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,618 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($127,490) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates seeking an entry-level actuary position in Scarborough, Maine, can expect starting salaries around $80,296, reflecting the lower end of the pay spectrum. When compared to the city's median annual salary of $127,490, this figure highlights a significant salary gap, suggesting that new actuaries may need time to reach that higher level of compensation. Within the first three to five years, typical salary progression may see recent graduates moving through the P25 threshold of $101,613, before settling closer to the median. Given the competitive nature of the market and the city's relatively stable economy, Scarborough presents a feasible environment for new actuaries, making it an attractive option for recent graduates entering the field.
About the Scarborough Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Scarborough
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scarborough
Entry-level actuarys in Scarborough, ME typically start between $80,296 and $101,613 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $112,808 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $127,490 — 4.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Maine of $58,000 represents just 72.23% of the starting actuary pay ($80,296/year) in Scarborough. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover bachelor's degree tuition at public and private universities, plus estimated actuarial exam fees and study materials. Employers often cover exam costs once employed.
ASA, FSA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Scarborough
- 1Research the Scarborough market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $80,296 to $101,613, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the actuarial science field — employers in ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Scarborough, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Scarborough for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Scarborough's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Scarborough is $112,808 ( 140.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,296, experienced hygienists can earn up to $193,104.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,229
2025 BLS Actual
$77,806
2026 Current Est.
$80,296
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Scarborough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,229 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,388 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,645 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,062 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,647 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,114 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,806 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,296 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,865 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Scarborough, ME grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,229 in 2019 to $77,806 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,865. New graduates entering the Scarborough job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scarborough metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your actuarial science Career in Scarborough
Employers in Scarborough actively seek entry-level actuaries, primarily large life insurers such as Prudential and MetLife, which cultivate talent through structured campus recruitment and provide dedicated exam preparation time. Entry-level positions in health insurance companies also present opportunities, along with consulting firms like Milliman, Mercer, and Aon that often offer higher starting pay for credentialed analysts. To enhance their earning potential, newly minted actuaries should focus on obtaining necessary credentials, including a bachelor's degree in math or finance, and passing critical actuarial exams. Each exam passed can add $3,000 to $8,000 to a salary, creating a clear incentive for early-career professionals. Growth in this unique labor market may look promising, particularly for those who invest in predictive analytics and data science skills, as firms tend to reward specialized knowledge and the attainment of ASA and FSA designations over time.
More salary data for Scarborough, ME:
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new actuarial science graduates. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Scarborough. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Scarborough is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for actuarys (SOC 15-2011).
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov