Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Rochester, NH: $75,663 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Rochester, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,663 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rochester's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,515 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,432) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Rochester, New Hampshire, presents a promising financial outlook for aspiring actuaries entering the workforce. In 2026, entry-level positions are projected to start with a salary around $75,663, which represents a significant gap compared to the median salary of $115,432 for more seasoned professionals in the area. For new graduates, achieving a salary near the 25th percentile—approximately $89,950—within the first few years is feasible as they gain experience and begin to secure professional credentials. The market's growth trajectory shows potential, and with a favorable annual growth rate of 3.20%, recent graduates can expect steady advancement in their earning potential throughout the early years of their careers in Rochester.
About the Rochester Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rochester
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 Rochester
Entry-level actuarys in Rochester, NH typically start between $75,663 and $89,950 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $103,257 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,432 — 13.96% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in New Hampshire of $65,000 represents just 85.91% of the starting actuary pay ($75,663/year) in Rochester. 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 Rochester
- 1Research the Rochester market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $75,663 to $89,950, 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 Rochester, 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 Rochester for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rochester'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 Rochester is $103,257 ( 136.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,663, experienced hygienists can earn up to $178,920.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,524
2025 BLS Actual
$73,317
2026 Current Est.
$75,663
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,524 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,615 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,031 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,962 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,340 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,455 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,317 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,663 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,084 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Rochester, NH grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,524 in 2019 to $73,317 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,084. New graduates entering the Rochester job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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 Rochester
Employers in Rochester actively seek new actuarial talent, particularly large insurance firms such as Prudential and MetLife, which offer campus recruitment programs and structured study times for actuarial exams. Additionally, health insurance companies and consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer are notable players in hiring entry-level actuaries, especially those with ASA credentials, which can command higher starting salaries. A strong educational foundation in mathematics or actuarial science, along with passing the necessary actuarial exams and acquiring VEE credits, is vital for boosting new grad actuary pay in NH. Exam progression is paramount; each exam passed typically adds approximately $3,000 to $8,000 to the base salary. Realistic salary growth in the first few years can be substantial, especially for those who obtain higher qualifications, like Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA), as firms often reward these accomplishments with higher compensation packages.
More salary data for Rochester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Rochester in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Rochester?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Rochester?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Rochester?
How do I become a actuary in New Hampshire?
Related Pages
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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 Rochester. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rochester 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