Senior Actuary Salary in Amherst, MA: $223,572 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Amherst, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $223,572/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Amherst's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $206,057 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, senior actuaries in Amherst, Massachusetts, can anticipate a median annual salary of $144,241, with the potential to earn significantly more as they advance in their careers. Top earners, represented by the 90th percentile, can achieve annual salaries as high as $223,572, positioning them well above the national top-tier compensation average. The noteworthy disparity between the median and the upper echelons of pay reflects the experience premium that seasoned actuaries can command. Reaching this level of remuneration requires commitment to professional development, including obtaining advanced credentials such as the Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) or Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS), as well as excelling in specialized areas like predictive analytics or enterprise risk management.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Amherst
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Amherst earn between $184,538 and $223,572 per year (2026 est.). This $138,314 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Amherst median of $144,241 sits 7.51% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Amherst | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $144,241 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $184,538 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $223,572 | $221,983 |
In Amherst, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Amherst
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $144,241 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Amherst employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Amherst command premium compensation, often reaching the $184,538–$223,572 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Amherst metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Amherst with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Actuaries in Massachusetts who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Actuary Career & Wage Growth Path in Amherst
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAmherst ranks #16 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $223,572).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Amherst ($223,572) is 2.32% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($218,498).
2019 BLS Actual
$194,986
2025 BLS Actual
$216,640
2026 Current Est.
$223,572
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Amherst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $194,986 | Actual |
| 2020 | $197,413 | Actual |
| 2021 | $208,301 | Actual |
| 2022 | $200,727 | Actual |
| 2023 | $210,809 | Actual |
| 2024 | $236,639 | Actual |
| 2025 | $216,640 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $223,572 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $230,727 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Amherst saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $194,986 in 2019 to $216,640 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.20% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $230,727 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst 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.
Maximizing Your Actuary Earnings in Amherst
Compensation for experienced actuaries in Amherst can vary significantly depending on the sector they work in. For instance, those within life and annuity insurance often see enhanced salaries compared to their peers in health insurance or pension consulting, thanks to the specialized knowledge required in those fields. Consultancy firms such as Mercer or Aon typically offer higher pay than traditional insurance organizations, rewarding Fellows at premium rates for their expertise. Advancement in this field generally follows a structured pathway, where starting as an actuarial analyst and progressing to roles like chief actuary or consulting practice principal becomes realistic with experience and passing crucial actuarial exams. Additionally, acquiring certifications such as ASA or FSA not only reinforces professional stature but also enhances earning potential; every exam passed can subsequently substantiate salary increases. This combination of experience, specialized skills, and advanced credentials solidifies an actuary's position in the competitive job market of Amherst, MA.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Amherst in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Amherst?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Amherst?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Amherst?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Amherst?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $216,640 for actuaries in the Amherst metro area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Amherst 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