Senior Actuary Salary in Salem, MA: $217,394 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Salem, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $217,394/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Salem's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $200,363 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 Salem, Massachusetts, the potential for senior actuaries to earn a remarkable annual salary is significant, with top earners projected to make as much as $217,394 in 2026. This figure is particularly impressive when compared to the national average for the highest earners, reflecting Salem's strong demand for seasoned professionals in the actuarial field. The median salary of $140,254 highlights a substantial gap that experienced actuaries can leverage by deepening their expertise and specializations. To achieve top-tier compensation, professionals often pursue advanced credentials such as the Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) or the Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS), alongside years of rigorous exam preparation and practical experience.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Salem earn between $177,887 and $217,394 per year (2026 est.). This $125,387 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Salem median of $140,254 sits 4.54% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Salem | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $140,254 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,887 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $217,394 | $221,983 |
In Salem, 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 Salem
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $140,254 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Salem employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Salem command premium compensation, often reaching the $177,887–$217,394 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Salem metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Salem 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 Salem
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSalem ranks #39 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $217,394).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Salem ($217,394) is 0.51% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($218,498).
2019 BLS Actual
$189,597
2025 BLS Actual
$210,653
2026 Current Est.
$217,394
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $189,597 | Actual |
| 2020 | $191,958 | Actual |
| 2021 | $202,544 | Actual |
| 2022 | $195,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $204,983 | Actual |
| 2024 | $230,098 | Actual |
| 2025 | $210,653 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $217,394 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $224,351 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Salem saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $189,597 in 2019 to $210,653 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 $224,351 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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 Salem
Senior actuary pay in MA varies considerably based on both specialization and employer type. Areas such as life and annuity, enterprise risk management, and predictive analytics are particularly lucrative, with employers from life insurance to consulting firms typically offering higher salaries for specialized skills. For instance, veterans in the reinsurance sector or those holding senior roles in health insurance tend to command premiums over their peers. Paths toward advancement typically follow a structured progression: starting as an actuarial analyst, acquiring the Associate designation (ASA), and eventually becoming a Fellow (FSA / FCAS) not only enhances one's salary potential but also opens doors to leadership roles such as managing actuary or chief actuary. Additionally, senior actuaries can benefit from non-salary perks like study time packages, bonuses tied to exam achievements, and differential pay structures that reward specialization, highlighting the competitive nature of the actuarial profession in Salem.
More salary data for Salem, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Salem in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Salem?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Salem?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Salem?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Salem?
Related Pages
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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 $210,653 for actuaries in the Salem 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 Salem 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