Actuary Salary in Worcester, MA: $127,111 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Worcester, MA earns a median $127,111/year (≈ $61.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Worcester's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.5), that paycheck buys what $123,983 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, actuaries in Worcester, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $127,111, demonstrating a notable earning potential within this profession. The salary range spans from $81,187 at the 10th percentile to $195,585 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust market for seasoned professionals. These figures are derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, highlighting a competitive local job environment where talent retention and development are encouraged. Given the city's evolving demand for actuarial expertise, particularly with the increasing importance of predictive analytics and data science, prospective candidates might find ample opportunities to advance their careers through exam progression and specialization.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,187 | $39.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,046 | $40.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,111 | $61.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $166,080 | $79.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $195,585 | $94.04 |
Median Salary Position
5.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Worcester
In Worcester, MA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,398 (2026 est.). At $127,111, the local median is 5.25% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Worcester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Worcester Actuary Pay Compares
Worcester median: $127,111/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Worcester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $145,603 | -12.70% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -5.25% less |
Actuarys in Worcester, MA earn a median of $127,111 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.25% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 12.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $145,603.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Worcester has a cost of living 2.52% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Worcester, MA has a cost-of-living index of 102.523 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $127,111 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $123,983 — a 2.46% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,780
2025 BLS Actual
$123,170
2026 Current Est.
$127,111
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Worcester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,780 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,320 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,336 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,750 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,200 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,111 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,179 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Worcester metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 30.0% from $94,780 (2019) to $123,170 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,179 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,399 (38.40%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Worcester 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) | $81,187 – $84,046 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,046 – $127,111 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,111 – $166,080 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $166,080 – $195,585 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Worcester
The job market for actuaries in Worcester is supported by approximately 80 individuals currently employed within the field. With a cost of living index at 102.523, aspiring professionals should consider how take-home purchasing power is influenced by local living expenses. Among the top-paying employers in the area, life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, as well as firms like UnitedHealth and Cigna in the health insurance sector, stand out. The difference in actuarial pay in Worcester can largely be attributed to credential levels and the specific markets individuals serve. For example, those progressing to Fellow status can expect significant salary increases. To maximize income potential in this specific market, candidates should focus on gaining relevant VEE credits, pursuing managerial roles in consulting firms, and capitalizing on exam success, as each passed exam typically results in a pay step increase of $3,000-$8,000.
More salary data for Worcester, 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 $123,170 for actuariesin the Worcester 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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