Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Portsmouth, NH: $73,472 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Portsmouth, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,472 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Portsmouth's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,473 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,064) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the actuarial profession in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, starting salaries can be both encouraging and challenging. In 2026, entry-level actuaries may expect a salary starting around $73,472. This figure represents a significant gap when compared to the overall median annual salary within the city, projected at $115,064. Over the first few years, an early-career actuary can anticipate gradual salary growth, progressing from the entry-level starting point through the 25th percentile at $88,006, and moving closer to the city’s median. This shows that Portsmouth can serve as a viable market for new graduates, albeit with some room for improvement in starting compensation relative to the national landscape.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Portsmouth
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 Portsmouth
Entry-level actuarys in Portsmouth, NH typically start between $73,472 and $88,006 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $101,710 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,064 — 14.23% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in New Hampshire of $65,000 represents just 88.47% of the starting actuary pay ($73,472/year) in Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth
- 1Research the Portsmouth market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $73,472 to $88,006, 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 Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Portsmouth'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 Portsmouth is $101,710 ( 138.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,472, experienced hygienists can earn up to $175,182.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,771
2025 BLS Actual
$71,194
2026 Current Est.
$73,472
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,771 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,831 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,321 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,023 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,303 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,081 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,194 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,472 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,823 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Portsmouth, NH grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,771 in 2019 to $71,194 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,823. New graduates entering the Portsmouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
Several employers in Portsmouth, NH, actively seek to recruit entry-level actuaries from both local universities and beyond. Major life insurance firms such as Prudential and MetLife often tap into campus talent and provide a structured environment with dedicated study time for actuarial exams. Health insurers also play a role in hiring new graduates, while consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer typically offer higher starting salaries to those who have achieved ASA credentials. A strong educational background in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science, combined with completed actuarial exams and VEE credits, can enhance starting pay. The pursuit of designations like ASA or FSA not only boosts an entry-level actuary's salary but is critical for long-term career progression, considering that each passed exam can add between $3,000 and $8,000 to the base pay. For new entrants in the field, a strategic focus on obtaining these credentials within the first few years will be crucial for climbing the salary ladder effectively in this competitive market.
More salary data for Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Portsmouth 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