Entry-Level Actuary Salary in New Bedford, MA: $92,590 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the New Bedford, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $92,590 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out New Bedford's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,336 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($146,648) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into entry-level actuarial roles in New Bedford, Massachusetts can expect starting salaries beginning around $92,590. This initial pay scale is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $146,648, creating a notable gap of $54,058. However, there’s good news for early-career actuaries; those with drive and ambition will find that the salary trajectory can be quite favorable. Within the first few years, as actuaries progress through their exams, they could see their salary rise to $112,330, approaching that city median as they gain experience and additional credentials. Overall, New Bedford currently represents a solid market for new graduates seeking a foothold in the actuarial field, given its healthy salary growth expectations.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in New Bedford
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 New Bedford
Entry-level actuarys in New Bedford, MA typically start between $92,590 and $112,330 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $134,715 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $146,648 — 9.31% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Massachusetts of $92,000 represents just 99.36% of the starting actuary pay ($92,590/year) in New Bedford. 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 New Bedford
- 1Research the New Bedford market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $92,590 to $112,330, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in New Bedford, 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 New Bedford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5New Bedford'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 New Bedford is $134,715 ( 145.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $92,590, experienced hygienists can earn up to $227,305.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$74,064
2025 BLS Actual
$89,719
2026 Current Est.
$92,590
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
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 | $74,064 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,400 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,237 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,943 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,076 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,065 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,719 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,590 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,553 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in New Bedford, MA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $74,064 in 2019 to $89,719 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $95,553. New graduates entering the New Bedford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
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.
Starting Your actuarial science Career in New Bedford
New Bedford's actuarial job market is primarily bolstered by major employers such as Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual, which are keen on hiring new grads through established campus recruitment initiatives. These companies often offer structured support for exam preparation, providing additional benefits for actuaries who embrace the path of continued education. A bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science will lay a strong foundation, but augmenting this with passed actuarial exams and VEE credits can significantly boost starting pay in MA. Entry-level candidates who pass an exam can expect to see their income increase by approximately $3,000 to $8,000. Over the first three years, those committed to achieving their ASA will likely observe steady salary progression aligned with exam completions, especially since consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer tend to offer premium compensation for those advancing to FSA or FCAS designations. This growth potential highlights a promising future for aspiring actuaries in New Bedford as they embark on their professional journey.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in New Bedford in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in New Bedford?
Is actuarial science school worth it in New Bedford?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in New Bedford?
How do I become a actuary in Massachusetts?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 New Bedford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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