Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Hanover, NH: $72,916 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Hanover, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,916 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hanover's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,955 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($114,829) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates entering the actuarial field in Hanover, New Hampshire, starting salaries are projected to be around $72,916 in 2026. This initial compensation level represents a significant gap from the overall median annual salary of $114,829 for actuaries in the city. However, the growth trajectory for those in their early careers is promising, with the potential to reach approximately $92,044 after a few years of experience. Given the competitive nature of the job market, coupled with the area's relatively high cost of living index of 107.3, Hanover does present a favorable environment for aspiring actuaries, especially those willing to invest in furthering their qualifications and passing actuarial exams.
About the Hanover Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hanover
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 Hanover
Entry-level actuarys in Hanover, NH typically start between $72,916 and $92,044 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $101,528 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $114,829 — 14.41% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in New Hampshire of $65,000 represents just 89.14% of the starting actuary pay ($72,916/year) in Hanover. 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 Hanover
- 1Research the Hanover market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $72,916 to $92,044, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hanover, 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 Hanover for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hanover'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 Hanover is $101,528 ( 139.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,916, experienced hygienists can earn up to $174,444.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,326
2025 BLS Actual
$70,655
2026 Current Est.
$72,916
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Hanover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,326 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,378 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,887 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,531 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,786 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,485 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,655 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,916 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,249 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Hanover, NH grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,326 in 2019 to $70,655 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,249. New graduates entering the Hanover job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hanover 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 Hanover
Employers in Hanover are actively seeking new talent, particularly from large life insurers such as Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual, who often have established campus recruitment pipelines. Health insurance companies and consulting firms, including Milliman and Mercer, also hire entry-level actuaries, though these consulting firms tend to offer higher starting salaries for those with the ASA credential. Earning a bachelor's degree in fields like mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science is just the starting point; candidates who successfully pass actuarial exams from the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) will see their new grad actuary pay in NH increase by $3,000 to $8,000 for each exam they pass. Furthermore, those who pursue further credentials like ASA and eventually FSA can expect their earning potential to enhance significantly, reflecting the market’s demand for qualified professionals well-versed in predictive analytics and data science. A strategic focus on exam progression and relevant skills will lead to realistic salary growth rates in the first few years, allowing new actuaries to elevate their earnings as they gain experience and credentials.
More salary data for Hanover, NH:
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 Hanover. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hanover 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