Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Cherry Hill, NJ: $92,199 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Cherry Hill, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $92,199 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cherry Hill's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,034 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($150,149) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting salary for entry-level actuaries in Cherry Hill, NJ, is projected to be $92,199. This figure represents a significant opportunity compared to the city's median salary of $150,149, indicating a solid path for new graduates starting their careers. Over the first few years, as actuaries gain experience and possibly pass additional exams, their earnings can climb toward the first quartile of $113,244 and beyond, reflecting the growth potential in this profession. With a growth rate of 3.20% annually, Cherry Hill remains a conducive environment for new actuarial graduates, offering competitive pay as well as the possibility for advancement and development in their chosen field.
About the Cherry Hill Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cherry Hill
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 Cherry Hill
Entry-level actuarys in Cherry Hill, NJ typically start between $92,199 and $113,244 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $140,531 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $150,149 — 11.92% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in New Jersey of $70,000 represents just 75.92% of the starting actuary pay ($92,199/year) in Cherry Hill. 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 Cherry Hill
- 1Research the Cherry Hill market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $92,199 to $113,244, 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 NJ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cherry Hill, 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 Cherry Hill for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Cherry Hill's above-average cost of living (index: 115.2) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Cherry Hill is $140,531 ( 152.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $92,199, experienced hygienists can earn up to $232,730.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$73,751
2025 BLS Actual
$89,340
2026 Current Est.
$92,199
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Cherry Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,751 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,081 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,931 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,597 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,713 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,609 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,199 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,149 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Cherry Hill, NJ grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $73,751 in 2019 to $89,340 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $95,149. New graduates entering the Cherry Hill job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cherry Hill 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 Cherry Hill
Among the employers in Cherry Hill looking for fresh talent are prominent life insurers like Prudential and MetLife, which actively recruit actuarial students. These companies often provide structured study time for actuarial exams, promoting a supportive work environment for new hires. Health insurers and consulting firms, such as Milliman and Mercer, also seek entry-level actuaries, with consulting roles generally offering higher starting salaries, especially for those with ASA credentials. For new grads, obtaining relevant bachelor's degrees and passing actuarial exams can significantly enhance pay prospects. Each passed exam can add anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000 to a base salary, making exam progression a crucial part of salary growth during the early years. Those aiming for FSA or FCAS designations may find that these credentials command premium salaries in this evolving market, particularly as skills in predictive analytics and data science become increasingly valuable across varying roles in the industry.
More salary data for Cherry Hill, NJ:
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 Cherry Hill. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cherry Hill 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