Actuary Salary in Johnston, RI: $130,383 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Johnston, RI earns a median $130,383/year (≈ $62.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Johnston's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $129,734 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For actuaries in Johnston, RI, the 2026 median annual salary projects at $130,383, which is slightly lower than the national median of $134,160, suggesting that local specialty markets might have varied influences on compensation. The salary spectrum for actuaries here spans from $86,443 at the 10th percentile to $202,093 at the 90th percentile, reflecting significant variability influenced by factors such as market sector and experience. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities, and underscore the competitive nature of the local job environment. Given the current diversity of roles within actuarial specialties, including life, health, and property and casualty (P&C), Johnston serves as a microcosm of broader industry trends, necessitating a strategic approach to career advancement and salary negotiation.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,443 | $41.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,427 | $47.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,383 | $62.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $166,890 | $80.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $202,093 | $97.16 |
Median Salary Position
2.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnston
In Johnston, RI, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $115,650 (2026 est.). At $130,383, the local median is 2.82% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Johnston Actuary Pay Compares
Johnston median: $130,383/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $134,832 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -2.82% less |
Actuarys in Johnston, RI earn a median of $130,383 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.82% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 3.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $134,832.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnston has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Johnston, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $130,383 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $129,734 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$105,300
2025 BLS Actual
$126,340
2026 Current Est.
$130,383
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,300 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,904 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,919 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,781 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,622 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,622 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,383 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,555 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnston metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $105,300 (2019) to $126,340 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,555 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,255 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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) | $86,443 – $99,427 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,427 – $130,383 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,383 – $166,890 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $166,890 – $202,093 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Johnston
Among the eight actuaries employed in Johnston, the local market demonstrates a modest cost of living index of 100.5, which slightly exceeds the national average. This means that while salaries are competitive, the actual purchasing power requires consideration of living expenses. Employers in Johnston, such as Prudential and MetLife, typically offer some of the highest salaries, particularly for those specializing in life and health insurance. This market also reflects disparities in pay driven by credential advancement; each exam passed can yield significant salary increases, leading to greater earnings potential for those who attain the Fellowship status with either the SOA or CAS. For aspiring actuaries, maximizing compensation in Johnston may involve pursuing advanced credentials alongside skill enhancements in areas like data analytics, particularly as consulting firms look to fill roles that require such expertise. Strategically navigating exam progression and seeking opportunities with leading firms can thus be key to unlocking higher pay in this regional market.
More salary data for Johnston, 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 $126,340 for actuariesin the Johnston 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 Johnston 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