Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Providence, RI: $62,137 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Providence, RI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,137 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Providence's local price level (BEA RPP 101.8 — 2% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,055 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($111,466) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the actuarial profession in Providence, Rhode Island, can anticipate a starting salary of around $62,137 in 2026. This figure is notably below the city’s median annual salary of $111,466, indicating a significant gap that highlights the initial earning potential for those new to the field. However, aspiring actuaries should view this starting salary as a stepping stone. With an annual growth rate of 3.20% projected over the next five years, new grads can expect income increases that could see them moving toward the 25th percentile salary of $80,610 within the first few years. Given the evolving job market and the presence of major employers in Providence, this city currently offers viable opportunities for new graduates eager to establish their careers in the insurance and consulting sectors.
Career Earnings Timeline in Providence
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 Providence
Entry-level actuarys in Providence, RI typically start between $62,137 and $80,610 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $145,367 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $111,466 — 16.92% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Rhode Island of $68,000 represents just 109.44% of the starting actuary pay ($62,137/year) in Providence. 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 Providence
- 1Research the Providence market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $62,137 to $80,610, 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 Providence, 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 Providence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Providence'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 Providence is $145,367 ( 233.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,137, experienced hygienists can earn up to $207,504.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,070
2025 BLS Actual
$60,210
2026 Current Est.
$62,137
2019–2027 Growth
+6.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,070 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,580 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,330 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,260 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,870 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,137 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,125 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Providence, RI grew 0.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,070 in 2019 to $60,210 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,125. New graduates entering the Providence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Providence 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 Providence
In Providence, several leading employers are particularly interested in hiring entry-level actuaries, allowing graduates to find pathways into the profession. Large life insurance companies like Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual actively recruit through campus programs, offering structured environments for exam preparation and growth. Health insurers and consulting firms such as Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW also present attractive prospects for recent grads, especially those who have begun to pass actuarial exams and earn credentials like the ASA. Building a strong foundation through a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics or actuarial science and completing VEE credits can amplify starting pay in the state. The first few years are crucial for exam progression, where passing each exam typically translates to an additional $3,000 to $8,000 in salary. Growing expertise in predictive analytics will further enhance employability and salary potential, particularly in consulting roles, which tend to reward advanced credentials like FSA or FCAS substantially more than entry-level positions in traditional insurance companies.
More salary data for Providence, RI:
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 Providence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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