Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Brookline, MA: $86,912 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Brookline, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $86,912 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brookline's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,103 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,186) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brookline, Massachusetts, the starting salary for an entry-level actuary is forecasted to be around $86,912 in 2026. For new graduates entering the field, this figure represents a substantial entry point, although it is notably lower than the median annual salary of $141,186 in the area. Over the first few years of their careers, actuaries can expect realistic salary growth, moving from entry-level positions to the 25th percentile salary of $106,213 and potentially reaching the median as they gain experience. With the local market projected to maintain a 3.20% annual growth rate, Brookline remains an attractive location for aspiring actuaries looking to build their careers, particularly given the city's proximity to robust job opportunities in both life and health insurance sectors.
About the Brookline Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brookline
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 Brookline
Entry-level actuarys in Brookline, MA typically start between $86,912 and $106,213 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $131,926 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,186 — 5.24% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Massachusetts of $92,000 represents just 105.85% of the starting actuary pay ($86,912/year) in Brookline. 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 Brookline
- 1Research the Brookline market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $86,912 to $106,213, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brookline, 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 Brookline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brookline'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 Brookline is $131,926 ( 151.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $86,912, experienced hygienists can earn up to $218,838.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,522
2025 BLS Actual
$84,217
2026 Current Est.
$86,912
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Brookline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,522 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,776 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,807 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,918 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,798 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,072 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,217 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,912 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,693 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Brookline, MA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,522 in 2019 to $84,217 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $89,693. New graduates entering the Brookline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookline 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 Brookline
Employment opportunities for entry-level actuaries in Brookline are promising, with several prominent employers actively recruiting new graduates. Major life insurance companies, such as Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual, offer structured recruitment processes that lead to consistent hiring of actuarial students, often providing support for completing crucial exams during the first years of employment. Additionally, health insurance firms and consulting groups like Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW seek out candidates with strong analytical skills and relevant educational backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science. Aspiring actuaries should prioritize passing necessary exams, as each successful attempt enhances their earning potential, with salary increases ranging from $3,000 to $8,000 for every exam passed. By focusing on continuing education, pursuing credentials such as the Associate (ASA) designation, and obtaining VEE credits, new graduates can set themselves on a healthy career trajectory in this competitive yet rewarding job market.
More salary data for Brookline, 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
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 Brookline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookline 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