Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Bristol, RI: $78,669 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Bristol, RI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,669 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bristol's local price level (BEA RPP 100.5 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,278 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($127,639) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Rhode Island, a new graduate entering the actuarial profession can expect an entry-level salary around $78,669 in 2026. While this figure is considerably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $127,639, it presents a viable starting point for those beginning their careers. Aspiring actuaries can anticipate gradual salary increases as they gain experience and achieve milestones such as passing exams. Early in their careers, individuals may realistically progress to a salary of $95,463 after a few years of work, with the potential to reach the median within five years. Bristol's market may be particularly appealing to recent graduates, as it offers a foundation for career growth in a developing industry.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bristol
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 Bristol
Entry-level actuarys in Bristol, RI typically start between $78,669 and $95,463 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $119,172 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $127,639 — 4.86% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Rhode Island of $68,000 represents just 86.44% of the starting actuary pay ($78,669/year) in Bristol. 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 Bristol
- 1Research the Bristol market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $78,669 to $95,463, 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 RI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bristol, 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 Bristol for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bristol'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 Bristol is $119,172 ( 151.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,669, experienced hygienists can earn up to $197,841.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,928
2025 BLS Actual
$76,230
2026 Current Est.
$78,669
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,928 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,063 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,376 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,623 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,135 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,619 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,230 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,669 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,187 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Bristol, RI grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,928 in 2019 to $76,230 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,187. New graduates entering the Bristol job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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 Bristol
Employers who frequently hire entry-level actuaries in Bristol include major life insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife, which actively recruit from university programs and provide structured support for exam study. Health insurance firms and consulting companies like Milliman and Mercer also present opportunities for new graduates. Possessing a relevant bachelor's degree in mathematics or actuarial science can elevate starting pay, as can accumulating VEE credits and passing actuarial exams. The advancement from Associate (ASA) to Fellow (FSA) status can significantly impact earnings; passing exams typically adds $3,000 to $8,000 to base salaries. In a competitive market like Bristol, first-job strategies that prioritize exam progression and skill management, especially in predictive analytics, are essential for optimizing salary growth within the first few years of employment.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Bristol in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Bristol?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Bristol?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Bristol?
How do I become a actuary in Rhode Island?
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 Bristol. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol 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