Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Cambridge, MA: $75,715 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Cambridge, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,715 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cambridge's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,783 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($130,543) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Recent projections for the starting actuary salary in Cambridge, MA highlight important expectations for new graduates entering this field in 2026. At the lower end of the salary spectrum, the entry-level pay for an actuary is anticipated to be around $75,715, which represents a notable gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $130,543. New grads can expect gradual increases in their earnings as they progress through the early stages of their careers, with initial jumps to $93,990, and steady growth toward the median salary in the first three to five years. Given the positive growth trajectory for actuarial positions and Cambridge's strong job market, particularly for graduates equipped with analytical skills, individuals pursuing this path are entering a favorable sector with promising financial rewards.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cambridge
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 Cambridge
Entry-level actuarys in Cambridge, MA typically start between $75,715 and $93,990 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $126,626 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $130,543 — 2.7% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Massachusetts of $92,000 represents just 121.51% of the starting actuary pay ($75,715/year) in Cambridge. 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 Cambridge
- 1Research the Cambridge market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $75,715 to $93,990, 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 Cambridge, 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 Cambridge for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cambridge'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 Cambridge is $126,626 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,715, experienced hygienists can earn up to $202,341.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,565
2025 BLS Actual
$73,367
2026 Current Est.
$75,715
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,565 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,657 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,071 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,008 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,388 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,099 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,367 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,715 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,138 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Cambridge, MA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,565 in 2019 to $73,367 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,138. New graduates entering the Cambridge job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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 Cambridge
Understanding the local job market is critical for new actuaries seeking employment in Cambridge. Major employers such as Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual actively recruit new graduates through structured internships and exam support programs, while health insurers and consulting firms like Milliman, Mercer, and Aon also offer robust opportunities. Credentials such as a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science, along with passing the first few actuarial exams and obtaining VEE credits, can significantly enhance starting salaries in Massachusetts. Each exam passed can add between $3,000 and $8,000 to a graduate's base pay, which creates an advantageous context for those committed to pursuing professional designations like ASA or FSA. Realistic salary increases during the first three years are tied to exam progression and skills development, especially in areas like predictive analytics, which are gaining traction in the industry. The potential for upward mobility is substantial for those willing to invest in their education and credentials in this thriving market.
More salary data for Cambridge, 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 Cambridge. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cambridge 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