Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $87,281 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Chelmsford, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $87,281 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chelmsford's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,443 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($138,367) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelmsford, Massachusetts, the projected entry-level actuary salary for 2026 is $87,281, which is significantly lower than the city's overall median annual income of $138,367. New graduates can expect to grow their salaries as they gain experience and pass actuarial exams. With a projected trajectory increasing from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile at $105,731, those within the first few years of their careers in this city have the potential for meaningful salary increases as they achieve further credentials. Given the town's competitive environment and positive growth rate of 3.20% annually over the next five years, it appears to be a promising market for aspiring actuaries.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chelmsford
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 Chelmsford
Entry-level actuarys in Chelmsford, MA typically start between $87,281 and $105,731 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $127,188 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $138,367 — 3.14% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Massachusetts of $92,000 represents just 105.41% of the starting actuary pay ($87,281/year) in Chelmsford. 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 Chelmsford
- 1Research the Chelmsford market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $87,281 to $105,731, 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 Chelmsford, 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 Chelmsford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Chelmsford'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 Chelmsford is $127,188 ( 145.72%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $87,281, experienced hygienists can earn up to $214,469.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,817
2025 BLS Actual
$84,575
2026 Current Est.
$87,281
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,817 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,077 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,095 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,245 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,141 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,454 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,575 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,281 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,074 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Chelmsford, MA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,817 in 2019 to $84,575 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $90,074. New graduates entering the Chelmsford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
New graduates entering the actuarial field in Chelmsford have several options for employment, particularly with large life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, which actively recruit through college networks. Health insurers also hire entry-level actuaries, and consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer tend to offer higher starting salaries for candidates with relevant exams or credentials. Educational foundations are critical; students should focus on obtaining a degree in math, statistics, or actuarial science and passing the Society of Actuaries (SOA) exams that align with life, health, and pension practices. The road toward becoming an Associate (ASA) typically spans 4-5 years and necessitates passing about five exams. Each exam passed generally elevates a candidate's salary by $3,000 to $8,000, making exam completion a key strategy for increasing new grad actuary pay in MA. Those who show proficiency in predictive analytics or data science may further distinguish themselves in this evolving market.
More salary data for Chelmsford, 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 Chelmsford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chelmsford 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