Actuary Salary in Jersey City, NJ: $169,486 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Jersey City, NJ earns a median $169,486/year (≈ $81.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Jersey City's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $147,123 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.7% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, actuary salary in Jersey City reaches a median of $169,486, representing a robust increase compared to the national median of $134,160. The local salary range spans from $98,302 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $262,704 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within the field. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the regional cost of living, which in Jersey City is notably higher than the national average. The job market in this area shows a strong demand for actuaries, driven by a range of employers that include major insurance firms and consulting agencies, making it an attractive destination for professionals in the field.
About the Jersey City Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,302 | $47.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $122,030 | $58.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $169,486 | $81.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $216,943 | $104.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $262,704 | $126.30 |
Median Salary Position
26.33% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jersey City
In Jersey City, NJ, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $164,402 (2026 est.). At $169,486, the local median is 26.33% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jersey City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jersey City Actuary Pay Compares
Jersey City median: $169,486/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jersey City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $154,500 | +9.70% more |
| National Average | $134,160 | +26.33% more |
Actuarys in Jersey City, NJ earn a median of $169,486 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.33% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 9.70% above the New Jersey state average of $154,500.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jersey City has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jersey City, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $169,486 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $147,123 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$136,880
2025 BLS Actual
$164,231
2026 Current Est.
$169,486
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Jersey City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $136,880 | Actual |
| 2020 | $140,266 | Actual |
| 2021 | $133,785 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,005 | Actual |
| 2023 | $151,598 | Actual |
| 2024 | $171,383 | Actual |
| 2025 | $164,231 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,486 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $174,910 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jersey City metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $136,880 (2019) to $164,231 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $174,910 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,030 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jersey City 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) | $98,302 – $122,030 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $122,030 – $169,486 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $169,486 – $216,943 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $216,943 – $262,704 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Jersey City
The job market for actuaries in Jersey City remains strong with only 42 individuals currently holding positions in this role, highlighting a competitive yet rewarding environment. The cost-of-living index of 115.2 suggests that while salaries are higher, the purchasing power may be impacted. Notable employers such as Prudential and UnitedHealth often provide salaries at the upper end of the pay distribution, particularly for those who have completed multiple exams. The breadth of pay varies considerably, often influenced by the pathway to credentials—every passed exam can translate into an increase of $3,000 to $8,000 in base salary. For professionals seeking to maximize their actuary pay in Jersey City, strategically pursuing additional exams and focusing on comprehensive benefits packages can lead to substantial financial growth over time.
More salary data for Jersey City, NJ:
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 $164,231 for actuariesin the Jersey City 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 Jersey City 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