Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Framingham, MA: $85,781 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Framingham, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,781 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Framingham's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,061 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($145,901) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Framingham, Massachusetts offers an attractive entry-level actuary salary environment for new graduates in 2026, with starting pay projected at $85,781. This figure sits significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $145,901, indicating a gap of about $60,120. However, over the first few years, early-career actuaries can expect substantial salary growth, moving towards the 25th percentile salary of $106,736 within 3-5 years. Framingham's overall economic climate and job market make it a compelling place for new grads to begin their actuary careers, particularly given its competitive starting salaries that are approximately 8.75% higher than the national median of $134,160.
About the Framingham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Framingham
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 Framingham
Entry-level actuarys in Framingham, MA typically start between $85,781 and $106,736 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $140,365 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $145,901 — 8.75% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Massachusetts of $92,000 represents just 107.25% of the starting actuary pay ($85,781/year) in Framingham. 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 Framingham
- 1Research the Framingham market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $85,781 to $106,736, 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 Framingham, 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 Framingham for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Framingham'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 Framingham is $140,365 ( 163.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,781, experienced hygienists can earn up to $226,146.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,617
2025 BLS Actual
$83,121
2026 Current Est.
$85,781
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Framingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,617 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,855 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,924 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,917 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,746 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,844 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,121 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,781 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,526 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Framingham, MA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,617 in 2019 to $83,121 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,526. New graduates entering the Framingham job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Framingham 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 Framingham
Employers in Framingham seeking to hire new actuaries include major life insurance companies such as Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual, which actively recruit from universities and often provide structured exam preparation time. Health insurance firms also present opportunities, as do consulting companies like Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW, which typically offer higher base salaries for entry-level positions that may require candidates to hold an ASA credential. For new grads, educational background and passed actuarial exams play vital roles in enhancing earning potential. Achieving full ASA status often takes 4-5 years and requires 5-7 exams, with every exam passed usually translating to an additional $3,000 to $8,000 in salary. Graduates focused on careers in predictive analytics or data science will find increasing demand for these skills among potential employers. Consequently, realistic salary growth expectations in the early years can range broadly as prospects work towards achieving FSA or FCAS credentials, which can dramatically elevate pay in Framingham’s competitive market.
More salary data for Framingham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Framingham in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Framingham?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Framingham?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Framingham?
How do I become a actuary in Massachusetts?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Framingham. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Framingham 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