Actuary Salary in Watertown, MA: $143,676 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Watertown, MA earns a median $143,676/year (≈ $69.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Watertown's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $132,420 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, actuaries in Watertown, Massachusetts, can expect an impressive median annual salary of $143,676, which exceeds the national median of $134,160 by over 7%. The salary range for this profession locally spans from $88,298 at the 10th percentile to $222,698 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the variance in pay likely driven by factors such as credentials and experience. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect local market dynamics and adjustments for regional cost of living. With a strong foundation in both consulting and insurance sectors, actuaries in Watertown find themselves in a promising job market as they navigate their career progression through critical exams.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,298 | $42.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,177 | $54.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $143,676 | $69.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $183,137 | $88.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222,698 | $107.07 |
Median Salary Position
7.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Watertown
In Watertown, MA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $134,400 (2026 est.). At $143,676, the local median is 7.09% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Watertown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Watertown Actuary Pay Compares
Watertown median: $143,676/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Watertown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $145,568 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | +7.09% more |
Actuarys in Watertown, MA earn a median of $143,676 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.09% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $145,568.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Watertown has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Watertown, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $143,676 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $132,420 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,035
2025 BLS Actual
$139,221
2026 Current Est.
$143,676
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,035 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,905 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,412 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,075 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,512 | Actual |
| 2024 | $152,072 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,221 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $143,676 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,274 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Watertown metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $116,035 (2019) to $139,221 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,274 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,239 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Watertown 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) | $88,298 – $113,177 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,177 – $143,676 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $143,676 – $183,137 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $183,137 – $222,698 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Watertown
The job market for actuaries in Watertown is relatively small, with only seven employed in the area, but competitive compensation opportunities exist. The local cost-of-living index stands at 108.5, indicating a higher-than-average expense for residents, which could impact take-home salaries. Among the leading employers, firms like Prudential and UnitedHealth often provide the most lucrative packages, especially for those pursuing advanced qualifications such as Fellowship of the Society of Actuaries or Casualty Actuarial Society. The pay disparity from the lower end to the upper end of the spectrum is pronounced, driven largely by exam progression—the acquisition of credentials typically yields an additional $3,000 to $8,000 in base salary per passed exam. For actuaries in Watertown, the best strategy to maximize earnings includes focusing on acquiring relevant VEE credits, expanding expertise in predictive analytics, and considering consulting roles that favor FSAs and FCAS holders, which generally offer more lucrative compensation than positions in traditional insurance companies.
More salary data for Watertown, 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 $139,221 for actuariesin the Watertown 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 Watertown 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