Senior Actuary Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $214,469 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Chelmsford, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $214,469/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Chelmsford's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $197,667 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
Chelmsford offers substantial earning potential for experienced actuaries, with a median annual salary projected at $138,367 for 2026. For senior professionals and top earners, the financial opportunities can be even more rewarding, with salaries reaching up to $214,469 at the 90th percentile. This figure illustrates a significant experience premium, reflecting the gap between the median and top-tier compensation levels—an essential factor for actuaries aiming to advance their careers. Achieving these high salary figures typically requires not only years of experience, but also specialized skills and professional credentials, distinguishing those who navigate the complexities of the actuarial field successfully.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelmsford
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Chelmsford earn between $177,111 and $214,469 per year (2026 est.). This $127,188 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Chelmsford median of $138,367 sits 3.14% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Chelmsford | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $138,367 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,111 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $214,469 | $221,983 |
In Chelmsford, 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 Chelmsford
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $138,367 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Chelmsford employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Chelmsford command premium compensation, often reaching the $177,111–$214,469 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Chelmsford metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedChelmsford ranks #49 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $214,469).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Chelmsford ($214,469) is 1.84% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($218,498).
2019 BLS Actual
$187,047
2025 BLS Actual
$207,819
2026 Current Est.
$214,469
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $187,047 | Actual |
| 2020 | $189,375 | Actual |
| 2021 | $199,819 | Actual |
| 2022 | $192,554 | Actual |
| 2023 | $202,225 | Actual |
| 2024 | $227,002 | Actual |
| 2025 | $207,819 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $214,469 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $221,332 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Chelmsford saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $187,047 in 2019 to $207,819 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 $221,332 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, actuaries can command higher salaries by specializing in fields such as life and annuity, health, and property & casualty insurance. Senior actuary pay in MA reflects variances based on employer types; those working in reinsurance firms, health insurance, or leading consulting firms are likely to see compensation offers that surpass those at more traditional insurance companies. Career advancement paths typically lead actuaries through stages such as ASA to FSA or FCAS, culminating in senior roles like managing actuary or chief actuary. In recent years, advanced credentials have become increasingly valuable, with credentials like ASA and FSA recognized as key drivers of salary growth. Each passed actuarial exam can yield significant pay increases, while positions in competitive markets such as predictive analytics and data science promise additional rewards. Non-salary incentives, including study time benefits and signing bonuses, often enhance the overall compensation package for seasoned actuaries in the region.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Chelmsford in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Chelmsford?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Chelmsford?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Chelmsford?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Chelmsford?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 $207,819 for actuaries in the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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