Actuary Salary in Medford, MA: $143,837 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Medford, MA earns a median $143,837/year (≈ $69.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Medford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $132,569 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Medford, Massachusetts, actuaries can expect to earn a median annual salary of $143,837 in 2026, with figures reflecting both local conditions and national trends. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $92,631 at the 10th percentile to $222,947 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant variation based on experience and specialization. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, providing a clearer snapshot of what actuaries will make in an evolving job market. With a projected growth rate of 3.20%, the opportunity for career advancement in Medford is promising, particularly for those who are progressing through the necessary exams and credentials.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,631 | $44.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,384 | $53.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $143,837 | $69.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $184,112 | $88.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222,947 | $107.18 |
Median Salary Position
7.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Medford
In Medford, MA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $130,316 (2026 est.). At $143,837, the local median is 7.21% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Medford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Medford Actuary Pay Compares
Medford median: $143,837/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Medford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $145,584 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | +7.21% more |
Actuarys in Medford, MA earn a median of $143,837 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.21% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 1.20% below the Massachusetts state average of $145,584.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Medford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Medford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $143,837 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $132,569 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,165
2025 BLS Actual
$139,377
2026 Current Est.
$143,837
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,165 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,039 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,539 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,212 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,656 | Actual |
| 2024 | $152,243 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,377 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $143,837 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,440 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Medford metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $116,165 (2019) to $139,377 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,440 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,275 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $92,631 – $111,384 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,384 – $143,837 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $143,837 – $184,112 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $184,112 – $222,947 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Medford
Currently, there are 11 actuaries employed in Medford, which indicates a niche but established job market for this profession. The local cost of living index stands at 108.5, suggesting that while actuary salaries may be competitive, they must also be weighed against higher living costs. Depending on the employer, actuaries in Medford may find the most lucrative opportunities within large consulting firms or health insurance companies. Strong pay differentials exist, often driven by exam progression where each passed exam can yield $3,000 to $8,000 in salary increases. Moreover, actuaries can maximize their pay in Medford by obtaining advanced credentials, such as becoming a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) or a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS), which are increasingly valued by leading employers in the area. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for aspiring actuaries and those seeking to enhance their earning potential in the Medford market.
More salary data for Medford, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $139,377 for actuariesin the Medford metropolitan area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medford 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