Senior Actuary Salary in Manchester, NJ: $230,781 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Manchester, NJ — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $230,781/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Manchester's price premium (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $200,331 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, experienced actuaries in Manchester, NJ have the potential to earn a median annual salary of $148,891, with top-tier roles commanding impressive figures. The salary range extends from $97,162 at the 10th percentile to a remarkable $230,781 for those in the 90th percentile. This significant gap highlights the experience premium; while the median salary offers a stable income, top earners enjoy compensation that can surpass the national median by approximately 10.98%, reflecting the high demand for seasoned professionals in this field. Achieving these salary levels requires a well-rounded skillset, often cultivated through years of work experience, advanced credentials, and successful completion of various actuarial exams that distinguish candidates in a competitive marketplace.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Manchester earn between $188,700 and $230,781 per year (2026 est.). This $133,619 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Manchester median of $148,891 sits 10.98% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Manchester | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $148,891 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $188,700 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $230,781 | $221,983 |
In Manchester, 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 Manchester
Advanced Certifications in New Jersey
NJ actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $148,891 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Manchester employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Manchester command premium compensation, often reaching the $188,700–$230,781 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Manchester metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Manchester 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 Jersey 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 Manchester
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedManchester ranks #50 of 61 New Jersey cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $230,781).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Manchester ($230,781) is 0.17% below the New Jersey average P90 ($231,163).
2019 BLS Actual
$201,273
2025 BLS Actual
$223,625
2026 Current Est.
$230,781
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $201,273 | Actual |
| 2020 | $203,778 | Actual |
| 2021 | $215,017 | Actual |
| 2022 | $207,199 | Actual |
| 2023 | $217,606 | Actual |
| 2024 | $244,266 | Actual |
| 2025 | $223,625 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $230,781 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $238,166 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Manchester saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $201,273 in 2019 to $223,625 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 $238,166 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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 Manchester
Senior actuaries specializing in areas such as life and annuity, health, and property & casualty insurance typically command higher salaries in Manchester. Companies such as Prudential and UnitedHealth offer lucrative compensation packages, particularly for actuaries with advanced skills in predictive analytics and capital modeling. Different employer types influence pay scales, with consulting firms often providing premium salaries compared to traditional insurers. As actuaries progress in their careers through credentials like ASA to FSA, they not only increase their earning potential but also gain access to leadership roles such as managing actuary or consulting practice principal. The commitment to continuous education and exam progression can lead to substantial financial rewards, with each passed exam potentially translating to an additional $3,000 to $8,000 in annual salary. Additionally, actuaries who specialize in reinsurance pricing can see particularly strong compensation packages, underscoring the importance of targeted expertise in the actuarial job market.
More salary data for Manchester, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Manchester in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Manchester?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Manchester?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Manchester?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Manchester?
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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 $223,625 for actuaries in the Manchester 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 Manchester 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