Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Lawrence, MA: $88,604 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Lawrence, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $88,604 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,663 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,958) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the actuarial profession in Lawrence, Massachusetts can anticipate starting salaries around $88,604 in 2026. This figure, while a solid entry point, underscores the disparity with the city's median annual salary of $141,958. As new actuaries gain experience over their first few years, they can realistically expect their compensation to increase, moving toward the 25th percentile, which is projected at $107,708. For those weighing their options, Lawrence currently presents a favorable job market for entry-level actuaries, with a healthy growth trajectory of 3.20% annually over the next five years.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level actuarys in Lawrence, MA typically start between $88,604 and $107,708 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $131,431 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,958 — 5.81% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Massachusetts of $92,000 represents just 103.83% of the starting actuary pay ($88,604/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $88,604 to $107,708, 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 Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $131,431 ( 148.34%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $88,604, experienced hygienists can earn up to $220,035.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$70,875
2025 BLS Actual
$85,857
2026 Current Est.
$88,604
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,875 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,154 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,127 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,415 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,371 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,859 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,857 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,604 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,440 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, MA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $70,875 in 2019 to $85,857 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $91,440. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Actuaries in Lawrence typically find opportunities with major life insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife, known to recruit fresh talent through college partnerships. These firms often facilitate study programs for actuarial exams, which are critical for career advancement. Likewise, health insurance companies and consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer actively seek entry-level candidates. Achieving credentials such as the ASA is crucial; completing this designation frequently enhances starting pay in MA. New graduates should strategize their first few years by focusing on passing exams, as each one passed can lead to a significant salary bump, typically between $3,000 and $8,000. Understanding the distinctions between different sectors, such as life versus property and casualty, will also help shape career paths and earning potential.
More salary data for Lawrence, 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 Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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