Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Hagerstown, MD: $89,798 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Hagerstown, MD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $89,798 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hagerstown's local price level (BEA RPP 109.3 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,157 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,823) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates in Hagerstown, Maryland, contemplating a career as an actuary can anticipate an entry-level salary starting around $89,798 in 2026. This starting figure is part of a broad salary range, extending up to $219,825 at the top percentile. With a median salary of $141,823 for all actuaries in the city, newly minted actuarial professionals may find themselves at a significant gap initially, as they work to climb towards the median within their first few years. The growth potential is encouraging, with a trajectory that sees salaries potentially rise to $108,178 as they gain experience, setting the stage for a prosperous career path in the Hagerstown market.
About the Hagerstown Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hagerstown
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 Hagerstown
Entry-level actuarys in Hagerstown, MD typically start between $89,798 and $108,178 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $130,027 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,823 — 5.71% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Maryland of $60,000 represents just 66.82% of the starting actuary pay ($89,798/year) in Hagerstown. 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 Hagerstown
- 1Research the Hagerstown market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $89,798 to $108,178, 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 MD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hagerstown, 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 Hagerstown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hagerstown'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 Hagerstown is $130,027 ( 144.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $89,798, experienced hygienists can earn up to $219,825.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,831
2025 BLS Actual
$87,014
2026 Current Est.
$89,798
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Hagerstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,831 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,126 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,059 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,472 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,481 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,142 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,014 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,798 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,672 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Hagerstown, MD grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,831 in 2019 to $87,014 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $92,672. New graduates entering the Hagerstown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hagerstown 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 Hagerstown
Employers in Hagerstown that typically hire entry-level actuaries include major life insurance companies such as Prudential and Northwestern Mutual, which are known for their structured internship and recruitment programs geared toward recent graduates. In addition, health insurance providers and consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer are active participants in this hiring landscape. Obtaining relevant credentials such as an ASA designation can greatly enhance starting pay in the region, especially considering that passing each standardized actuarial exam can lead to a salary increase of $3,000 to $8,000. For those new to the field, the first 1 to 3 years can be pivotal; investing time in study and exam preparation is crucial for career advancement. Entry-level actuaries in Hagerstown should aim to build a solid foundation of knowledge, including VEE credits in economics and statistical methods, to increase their marketability and support realistic salary growth expectations.
More salary data for Hagerstown, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Hagerstown in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Hagerstown?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Hagerstown?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Hagerstown?
How do I become a actuary in Maryland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 Hagerstown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hagerstown 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