Senior Actuary Salary in Lawrence, MA: $220,035 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Lawrence, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $220,035/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Lawrence's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $202,797 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
A significant portion of senior actuaries in Lawrence, Massachusetts, can anticipate competitive compensation, particularly for those among the top earners. In 2026, the highest tier of actuaries in this region, recognized as P90 earners, is projected to achieve an impressive salary of $220,035. This upper echelon salary not only reflects the specialization and experience of these professionals but also demonstrates a robust potential for financial advancement in the area. The median annual salary of $141,958 for experienced actuaries indicates a substantial experience premium when juxtaposed with the P90 figure, highlighting the rewarding paths available to those who excel in their careers. Achieving top-tier pay typically necessitates several years of experience, advanced professional designations, and substantial contributions to actuarial practice.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Lawrence earn between $181,706 and $220,035 per year (2026 est.). This $131,431 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lawrence median of $141,958 sits 5.81% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Lawrence | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $141,958 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,706 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $220,035 | $221,983 |
In Lawrence, 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 Lawrence
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $141,958 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lawrence employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Lawrence command premium compensation, often reaching the $181,706–$220,035 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lawrence metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLawrence ranks #32 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $220,035).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Lawrence ($220,035) is 0.7% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($218,498).
2019 BLS Actual
$191,901
2025 BLS Actual
$213,212
2026 Current Est.
$220,035
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $191,901 | Actual |
| 2020 | $194,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $205,005 | Actual |
| 2022 | $197,551 | Actual |
| 2023 | $207,473 | Actual |
| 2024 | $232,894 | Actual |
| 2025 | $213,212 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $220,035 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $227,076 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Lawrence saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $191,901 in 2019 to $213,212 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 $227,076 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Focusing on what drives compensation for senior actuaries in MA, certain specializations command higher salaries, especially in life and annuity, health insurance, and enterprise risk management. Different employers also influence pay rates, as consulting firms like Mercer and Milliman tend to offer premium salaries compared to traditional insurers such as Prudential and UnitedHealth. The career trajectory for actuaries often begins with actuarial analyst roles, progressing through ASA to FSA or FCAS designations, often taking five to eight years to complete the examinations. Those who achieve advanced credentials like the ASA or FSA benefit from pay increases at each certification level, with professional flexibility allowing for significant options in consulting and reinsurance sectors. These elements, combined with skill advancements in predictive analytics or data science, can enhance an experienced actuary's salary significantly above the local median, making the pursuit of credentials and specializations not just advantageous but essential for top actuary salary success in Lawrence.
More salary data for Lawrence, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Lawrence in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Lawrence?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Lawrence?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Lawrence?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Lawrence?
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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 $213,212 for actuaries in the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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