Actuary Hourly Pay in Salem, MA: $67.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a actuary working in Salem, MA runs $67.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,254 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $62.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,154 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Actuaries in Salem, Massachusetts, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $67.43, which is 4.54% higher than the national average of $64.50. This competitive rate reflects the demand for actuarial expertise across various sectors, such as insurance companies, consulting firms, and pension plans. For part-time actuaries working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a sizable income, allowing for financial stability while balancing other commitments. The hourly pay range spans from $44.23 at the entry-level (P10) to $104.52 for top earners (P90), offering a pathway to lucrative opportunities depending on experience, specialization, and employer type. While these figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, they provide a clear picture of the financial landscape for actuaries in the region.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Actuary Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.23 | $353.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.63 | $421.06 |
| Median (P50) | $67.43 | $539.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.52 | $684.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.52 | $836.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $67.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.43/hr, a actuary working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, MA can expect to earn approximately $140,256 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,917. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,697.24 | $11,688 | $140,256 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,618.34 | $7,013 | $84,154 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,078.89 | $4,675 | $56,102 |
Compare ASA, FSA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Actuary (Salem) | $67.43 |
| Statistician (National Avg) | $51.53 |
| Mathematician (National Avg) | $56.16 |
| Financial Analyst (National Avg) | $47.61 |
| Data Scientist (National Avg) | $54.40 |
Actuarys in Salem, MA earn a median of $140,254 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.54% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 3.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $145,492.
Actuary Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.43/hr = $84,154/year (purchasing power: $77,561).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,256/year (purchasing power: $129,268).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Actuaries in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $71.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for actuaries in Salem grew 20.0% from $54.46/hr (2019) to $65.34/hr (2025). At a 3.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.59/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem actuaries can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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.
Working as an Hourly Actuary in Salem
For those considering part-time work, a 3-day workweek totalling 24 hours; yields an annual income of nearly $83,215, showcasing the viability of this career choice. Per diem actuary pay in Salem varies significantly based on the type of engagements. While junior actuaries typically do not engage in per-diem or contract work, seasoned professionals with ASA or FSA credentials can command impressive hourly rates, particularly in consulting roles. Expert witness testimony in litigation cases can yield per-diem pay ranging from $400 to $800 per hour, representing the pinnacle of the profession's earning potential. Hourly compensation can change based on the employer type; for instance, life insurance firms like Prudential offer more stability, while consulting companies, such as Milliman or Mercer, often provide higher rates but may come with less job security. As actuaries navigate their careers, negotiating for benefits such as health insurance versus higher pay without benefits remains a key consideration in Salem's job market.
More salary data for Salem, MA:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for actuaries in Salem. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salem 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