Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Shrewsbury, MA: $89,653 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Shrewsbury, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $89,653 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Shrewsbury's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,629 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($139,158) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the actuarial profession in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, the starting actuary salary in 2026 is projected at $89,653. This figure sets a foundation for early-career professionals, who can gradually raise their pay as they gain experience and credentials. In comparison, the overall median salary for actuaries in Shrewsbury is $139,158, indicating a significant gap that emerging actuaries can bridge over time through examination and professional development. As they progress from entry-level pay to the 25th percentile at $107,285 and then to the median within three to five years, new grads can realistically expect to develop a rewarding compensation trajectory in a strong job market for actuarial talent.
In Shrewsbury, several leading employers actively recruit recent graduates, particularly larger life insurance companies like MetLife and Prudential, which often have structured pathways for exam preparation. Health insurance firms also offer entry-level positions for actuaries. Consulting giants such as Mercer and Aon are known for hiring analysts who hold Associate (ASA) credentials. For aspiring actuaries, holding a degree in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science is just the beginning; candidates also need to pass actuarial exams to enhance their earning potential. Each exam passed can boost base salaries by $3,000 to $8,000. In the first three years, new graduates are encouraged to focus on obtaining VEE credits, gaining professional experience, and progressing towards their ASA status, which typically entails completing multiple exams over four to five years. This investment in education and credentialing can lead to substantial salary increases as they move toward achieving Fellow status in the Society of Actuaries (FSA). The growth trajectory for new actuaries in Shrewsbury suggests that with strategic planning and commitment to their professional development, they can expect to see rewarding pay increases as they advance in their careers.
About the Shrewsbury Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Shrewsbury
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 Shrewsbury
Entry-level actuarys in Shrewsbury, MA typically start between $89,653 and $107,285 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $126,042 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $139,158 — 3.73% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Massachusetts of $92,000 represents just 102.62% of the starting actuary pay ($89,653/year) in Shrewsbury. 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 Shrewsbury
- 1Research the Shrewsbury market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $89,653 to $107,285, 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 Shrewsbury, 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 Shrewsbury for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Shrewsbury'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 Shrewsbury is $126,042 ( 140.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $89,653, experienced hygienists can earn up to $215,695.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,714
2025 BLS Actual
$86,873
2026 Current Est.
$89,653
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Shrewsbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,714 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,008 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,945 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,343 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,346 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,959 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,873 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,653 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,522 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Shrewsbury, MA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,714 in 2019 to $86,873 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $92,522. New graduates entering the Shrewsbury job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shrewsbury 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.
More salary data for Shrewsbury, 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 Shrewsbury. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Shrewsbury 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