Senior Actuary Salary in New Bedford, MA: $227,305 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in New Bedford, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $227,305/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back New Bedford's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $209,498 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, top-tier actuaries in New Bedford, Massachusetts, can expect to earn substantial salaries, with the potential for the highest earners making up to $227,305 annually. This figure not only reflects a significant premium over the median annual salary of $146,648, but it also positions New Bedford’s top earners ahead of their peers nationwide, where the national median is $134,160. Achieving such exceptional pay requires deep expertise typically gained through years of experience, often exceeding seven years in the field. Actuaries looking to break into the upper echelon of compensation must focus on specialized knowledge, advanced credentials, and proven leadership capabilities to navigate the nuanced demands of the industry effectively.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Bedford
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in New Bedford earn between $187,709 and $227,305 per year (2026 est.). This $134,715 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The New Bedford median of $146,648 sits 9.31% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | New Bedford | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $146,648 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $187,709 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $227,305 | $221,983 |
In New Bedford, 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 New Bedford
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $146,648 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by New Bedford employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in New Bedford command premium compensation, often reaching the $187,709–$227,305 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the New Bedford metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in New Bedford 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 New Bedford
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedNew Bedford ranks #5 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $227,305).
Top 10% actuary compensation in New Bedford ($227,305) is 4.03% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($218,498).
2019 BLS Actual
$198,242
2025 BLS Actual
$220,257
2026 Current Est.
$227,305
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $198,242 | Actual |
| 2020 | $200,709 | Actual |
| 2021 | $211,778 | Actual |
| 2022 | $204,078 | Actual |
| 2023 | $214,328 | Actual |
| 2024 | $240,589 | Actual |
| 2025 | $220,257 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $227,305 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $234,579 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in New Bedford saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $198,242 in 2019 to $220,257 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 $234,579 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford 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 New Bedford
Salary dynamics for senior actuaries in New Bedford are influenced by various factors, including area of specialization and the type of employer. Certain fields, such as life and annuity, health, and property & casualty (P&C), drive premium pay, particularly for roles that involve capital modeling and predictive analytics. Employers like Prudential and MetLife in the life insurance sector or UnitedHealth in health insurance typically provide strong compensation packages when compared to pension firms or consulting practices. Career progression from actuarial analyst to managing actuary or chief actuary can further enhance earning potential. Furthermore, achieving advanced credentials like the Fellowship (FSA/FCAS) can lead to significant increases in salary, complemented by non-salary benefits such as bonuses for exam completions and study time allowances. With a projected growth rate of 3.20% from 2025 to 2026, the demand for experienced actuary salary roles in New Bedford remains robust, emphasizing the value of continual professional development in maintaining a competitive edge.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in New Bedford in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in New Bedford?
What certifications boost actuary salary in New Bedford?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in New Bedford?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in New Bedford?
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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 $220,257 for actuaries in the New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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