Senior Actuary Salary in Rochester, NH: $178,920 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Rochester, NH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $178,920/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Rochester's price premium (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $166,747 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 Rochester, New Hampshire, experienced actuaries can anticipate substantial earning potential, with top earners reaching impressive salaries. The projected 2026 salary range places the 90th percentile at $178,920 and the 75th percentile at $147,754, indicating a considerable gap between these benchmarks and the median annual salary of $115,432. This experience premium highlights the rewards attached to advanced skills, credentials, and specialized knowledge. Attaining such high earnings typically necessitates a combination of proven expertise, advanced actuarial credentials like FSA or FCAS, and strategic alignment with high-demand sectors within the insurance industry.
About the Rochester Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Rochester earn between $147,754 and $178,920 per year (2026 est.). This $103,257 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rochester median of $115,432 sits 13.96% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Rochester | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $115,432 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,754 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $178,920 | $221,983 |
In Rochester, 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 Rochester
Advanced Certifications in New Hampshire
NH actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $115,432 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rochester employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Rochester command premium compensation, often reaching the $147,754–$178,920 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rochester metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Rochester 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 New Hampshire 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 Rochester
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRochester ranks #7 of 16 New Hampshire cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $178,920).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Rochester ($178,920) is 0.93% below the New Hampshire average P90 ($180,603).
2019 BLS Actual
$156,043
2025 BLS Actual
$173,372
2026 Current Est.
$178,920
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $156,043 | Actual |
| 2020 | $157,985 | Actual |
| 2021 | $166,698 | Actual |
| 2022 | $160,637 | Actual |
| 2023 | $168,705 | Actual |
| 2024 | $192,112 | Actual |
| 2025 | $173,372 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $178,920 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $184,645 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Rochester saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $156,043 in 2019 to $173,372 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 $184,645 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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 Rochester
When analyzing compensation trends for senior actuaries, particular specializations stand out for commanding premium pay in the Rochester area. Fields such as life and annuity, health, property and casualty, and enterprise risk management are particularly lucrative. Compensation structures can vary significantly depending on employer type, with leading firms in life insurance such as Prudential and MetLife, and property & casualty companies like State Farm and Progressive, often paying top dollar for FSA / FCAS credentialed professionals. On the career progression front, those who navigate from actuarial analyst to roles like managing actuary or chief actuary see both enhanced responsibilities and pay, especially when complemented by advanced credentials and successful progression through the ASA-to-FSA exam timeline. Additionally, actuaries specializing in predictive analytics and data science are increasingly in demand, as these skills elevate market value and open doors to higher compensation packages.
More salary data for Rochester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Rochester in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Rochester?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Rochester?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Rochester?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Rochester?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 $173,372 for actuaries in the Rochester 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 Rochester 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