Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Dundalk, MD: $86,263 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Dundalk, MD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $86,263 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dundalk's local price level (BEA RPP 109.3 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,923 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,634) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting compensation for new actuaries in Dundalk, Maryland, reflects both the local job market dynamics and the overall salary structure for the profession. In 2026, entry-level actuaries can anticipate a starting salary around $86,263, which represents a significant entry point in comparison to the city’s overall median annual salary of $141,634. This gap signifies the growth potential for new grads who can expect salaries to rise through the first few years of their careers, especially as they gain experience and credentials. Early-career actuaries can realistically aim to reach the first quartile salary of $105,857 within a couple of years, with a longer-term trajectory promising further increases as they advance in skill and position.
About the Dundalk Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dundalk
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dundalk
Entry-level actuarys in Dundalk, MD typically start between $86,263 and $105,857 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $133,269 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,634 — 5.57% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Maryland of $60,000 represents just 69.55% of the starting actuary pay ($86,263/year) in Dundalk. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover bachelor's degree tuition at public and private universities, plus estimated actuarial exam fees and study materials. Employers often cover exam costs once employed.
ASA, FSA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Dundalk
- 1Research the Dundalk market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $86,263 to $105,857, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the actuarial science field — employers in MD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dundalk, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Dundalk for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dundalk's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Dundalk is $133,269 ( 154.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $86,263, experienced hygienists can earn up to $219,532.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,002
2025 BLS Actual
$83,588
2026 Current Est.
$86,263
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Dundalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,002 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,247 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,300 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,343 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,194 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,744 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,588 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,263 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,023 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Dundalk, MD grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,002 in 2019 to $83,588 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $89,023. New graduates entering the Dundalk job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dundalk 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.
Starting Your actuarial science Career in Dundalk
In Dundalk, employers that frequently hire entry-level actuaries include established life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, as well as health insurance providers. These organizations often utilize campus recruitment strategies that offer structured study programs for exam preparation, which are crucial for new graduates looking to enhance their earning potential. With a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as mathematics or actuarial science, paired with progress on actuarial exams, new actuaries in Maryland can significantly improve their starting pay. Credentials like the ASA designation, earned typically in 4-5 years and after passing 5-7 exams, can also boost salary often by $3,000 to $8,000 for each exam completed. Given the competitive landscape, pursuing consulting roles at firms like Aon or Milliman typically lead to higher pay, particularly for those who achieve FSA or FCAS statuses as firms are increasingly seeking candidates with skills in predictive analytics and data science. New professionals can expect to see salaries grow steadily over the first few years, particularly if they leverage exam progress and gain hands-on experience in their roles.
More salary data for Dundalk, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Dundalk in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Dundalk?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Dundalk?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Dundalk?
How do I become a actuary in Maryland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new actuarial science graduates. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Dundalk. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dundalk 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