Actuary Salary in Lackawanna, NY: $145,524 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Lackawanna, NY earns a median $145,524/year (≈ $69.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Lackawanna's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $125,560 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For actuaries in Lackawanna, NY, the projected median annual salary in 2026 stands at $145,524, slightly surpassing the national median of $134,160 by approximately 8.47%. Salary ranges reflect the progression of experience and credentialing, with levels spanning from $99,244 at the 10th percentile to $225,563 at the 90th percentile. These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors. Those specializing in life and health insurance markets typically earn more than their counterparts in pension consulting, reflecting market demands and the complexity of the work involved. As Lackawanna has a concentrated job market with five actuaries currently employed, these figures suggest a competitive salary structure for professionals.
About the Lackawanna Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,244 | $47.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,785 | $55.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $145,524 | $69.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $186,271 | $89.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $225,563 | $108.44 |
Median Salary Position
8.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lackawanna
In Lackawanna, NY, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $126,319 (2026 est.). At $145,524, the local median is 8.47% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lackawanna: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lackawanna Actuary Pay Compares
Lackawanna median: $145,524/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lackawanna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $155,475 | -6.40% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | +8.47% more |
Actuarys in Lackawanna, NY earn a median of $145,524 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.47% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 6.40% below the New York state average of $155,475.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lackawanna has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lackawanna, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $145,524 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $125,560 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$117,528
2025 BLS Actual
$141,012
2026 Current Est.
$145,524
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Lackawanna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,528 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,435 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,871 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,646 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,165 | Actual |
| 2024 | $164,876 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,012 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,524 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150,181 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lackawanna metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $117,528 (2019) to $141,012 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $150,181 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,653 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lackawanna 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) | $99,244 – $115,785 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,785 – $145,524 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $145,524 – $186,271 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $186,271 – $225,563 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Lackawanna
Actuaries in Lackawanna experience unique local market conditions that can affect their take-home pay. The cost-of-living index is noticeably higher at 115.9, which indicates that living expenses may impact disposable income despite a robust median salary. This situation is compounded by the presence of notable employers such as Prudential and UnitedHealth, which are among the highest-paying in the area. The disparity in actuary pay can often be traced back to factors such as the progression through rigorous examinations—every completed exam can yield increases of $3,000 to $8,000 in salary. Professionals holding an ASA/ACAS credential can anticipate significant jumps in earnings as they transition to FSA/FCAS status. Networking with consulting firms and pursuing specialized skills in predictive analytics can enhance career prospects and salary potential, making it an essential strategy for success in this market.
More salary data for Lackawanna, NY:
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 $141,012 for actuariesin the Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna 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