Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Methuen, MA: $91,906 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Methuen, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $91,906 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Methuen's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,706 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($143,509) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Methuen, Massachusetts, new graduates entering the actuarial field can expect starting salaries to be around $91,906, which marks the lower end of the compensation spectrum for entry-level positions. This figure stands in contrast to the city’s projected median salary of $143,509 for all actuaries in 2026, illustrating the typical gap that recent graduates face as they embark on their careers. As new actuaries gain experience and begin to pass professional exams, they can anticipate potential earnings growth, moving from the entry-level range towards the 25th percentile at $110,744, with substantial opportunities for advancement over the first few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.20%, Methuen appears to be a promising market for fresh graduates, indicating that the actuarial profession is both stable and on the rise.
About the Methuen Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Methuen
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 Methuen
Entry-level actuarys in Methuen, MA typically start between $91,906 and $110,744 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $130,532 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $143,509 — 6.97% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Massachusetts of $92,000 represents just 100.10% of the starting actuary pay ($91,906/year) in Methuen. 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 Methuen
- 1Research the Methuen market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $91,906 to $110,744, 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 Methuen, 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 Methuen for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Methuen'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 Methuen is $130,532 ( 142.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $91,906, experienced hygienists can earn up to $222,438.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$73,516
2025 BLS Actual
$89,056
2026 Current Est.
$91,906
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Methuen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,516 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,842 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,703 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,337 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,440 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,342 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,056 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,906 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,847 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Methuen, MA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $73,516 in 2019 to $89,056 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $94,847. New graduates entering the Methuen job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Methuen 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 Methuen
Many established employers in Methuen actively seek to recruit recent graduates for actuarial roles. Companies such as Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual often offer structured internship and entry-level pathways, providing candidates with the necessary study hours for exams alongside competitive compensation. Health insurance providers and consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer also hire entry-level actuaries, often at higher base salaries, especially for those who have started to earn their actuarial credentials. New grads can increase their starting pay in MA significantly by passing actuarial exams, as each successful exam typically results in an additional $3,000 to $8,000 added to their base salary. By steadily progressing through exams—acquired through adequately planned study time and relevant coursework in fields like math, statistics, and actuarial science—individuals can set themselves up for substantial salary advancements as they move towards fellowship in the SOA or CAS. Therefore, for a new grad looking to enhance their career trajectory, gaining VEE credits and continuously seeking relevant skills in predictive analytics and data science will be beneficial for long-term success.
More salary data for Methuen, 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 Methuen. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Methuen 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