Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Laconia, NH: $73,126 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Laconia, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,126 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Laconia's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,151 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($114,865) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the actuarial profession in Laconia, New Hampshire, the starting actuary salary can feel relatively modest. The 2026 projected entry-level salary stands at $73,126, which is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $114,865 for actuaries in the city. This gap may be disheartening, but it reflects a typical growth trajectory where early-career professionals can expect their earnings to gradually increase as they gain experience and credentials. Notably, the salary can rise to around $87,603 after initial years of relevant work, establishing a path toward the median within approximately three to five years. Currently, Laconia's market presents a decent opportunity for new graduates, particularly as the 3.20% annual growth rate signals steady demand for actuarial skills.
About the Laconia Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Laconia
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 Laconia
Entry-level actuarys in Laconia, NH typically start between $73,126 and $87,603 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $101,719 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $114,865 — 14.38% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in New Hampshire of $65,000 represents just 88.89% of the starting actuary pay ($73,126/year) in Laconia. 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 Laconia
- 1Research the Laconia market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $73,126 to $87,603, 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 Laconia, 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 Laconia for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Laconia'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 Laconia is $101,719 ( 139.10%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,126, experienced hygienists can earn up to $174,845.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,495
2025 BLS Actual
$70,859
2026 Current Est.
$73,126
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Laconia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,495 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,550 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,052 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,717 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,982 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,711 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,859 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,126 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,467 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Laconia, NH grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,495 in 2019 to $70,859 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,467. New graduates entering the Laconia job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laconia 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 Laconia
In Laconia, opportunities for entry-level actuaries often come from major employers in the insurance and consulting fields. Large life insurers like Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual actively recruit fresh talent, offering structured pathways for exam preparation and support for early-stage careers. Health insurers also hire new graduates, while consulting firms such as Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW tend to favor candidates who have attained at least an Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) designation, which typically requires passing several actuarial exams. Those with qualifications in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science will find their degrees beneficial. Additionally, achieving VEE credits and progressing through the exam structure will help increase starting pay significantly in New Hampshire. Passed exams typically add $3,000 to $8,000 to base salaries, emphasizing the importance of credentialing early in one’s career. Over the first few years, an experienced actuary in Laconia could anticipate salary growth that positions them more competitively within the industry.
More salary data for Laconia, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Laconia in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Laconia?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Laconia?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Laconia?
How do I become a actuary in New Hampshire?
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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 Laconia. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laconia 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