Actuary Salary in Bristol, RI: $127,639 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Bristol, RI earns a median $127,639/year (≈ $61.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $127,004 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected median annual salary for actuaries in Bristol, Rhode Island, is $127,639, which reflects a trend slightly below the national median of $134,160. The salary range in this area varies significantly, from $78,669 at the 10th percentile to $197,841 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the diversity of roles and specialties within the market. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for local cost considerations, highlighting how different actuary specialties such as life or health from the SOA can differ from those in property and casualty under the CAS umbrella. Given the small number of actuaries employed—only five in Bristol—competition can be intense, but opportunities remain robust for those who pursue professional advancement through exams and credentials.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,669 | $37.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95,463 | $45.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,639 | $61.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $158,793 | $76.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $197,841 | $95.12 |
Median Salary Position
4.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, RI, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $119,172 (2026 est.). At $127,639, the local median is 4.86% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Actuary Pay Compares
Bristol median: $127,639/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $134,782 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -4.86% less |
Actuarys in Bristol, RI earn a median of $127,639 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $134,782.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $127,639 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $127,004 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$103,083
2025 BLS Actual
$123,681
2026 Current Est.
$127,639
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,083 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,633 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,752 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,449 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,167 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,167 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,681 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,639 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,723 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $103,083 (2019) to $123,681 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,723 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,640 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $78,669 – $95,463 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $95,463 – $127,639 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,639 – $158,793 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $158,793 – $197,841 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Bristol
The job market for actuaries in Bristol is relatively limited yet stable, reflecting the presence of multiple insurance sectors, including life, health, and pension, along with consultancy opportunities. With a cost-of-living index at 100.5, the purchasing power of an actuary's salary means that while compensation may slightly lag national trends, it still offers a comfortable living given local economic conditions. Employers in Bristol vary in their compensation strategies, with life insurance firms like Prudential and health insurance companies such as Cigna potentially offering the most lucrative positions, especially for those who attain advanced certifications. The disparity between lower and higher salaries can often be attributed to the exam progression pathways, where each passed exam can lead to significant pay increases, as well as the specialization within the field. Actuaries who can navigate their career strategy effectively, focusing on gaining advanced credentials like FSA/FCAS and developing analytical skills, will likely find greater financial rewards in Bristol's competitive market.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
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 $123,681 for actuariesin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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