Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Derry, NH: $74,896 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Derry, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,896 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Derry's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,801 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,097) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the actuary profession in Derry, NH can anticipate an entry-level salary starting at approximately $74,896, which is a significant step below the city’s median annual salary of $115,097. This gap highlights the common experience of early-career professionals as they begin their journey in this field. Within the first few years of employment, entry-level actuaries can expect their compensation to rise as they gain experience and achieve milestones such as passing exams. This upward trajectory from the starting salary through the 25th percentile, projected at $89,285, demonstrates potential financial progress and suggests that Derry remains a viable market for fresh graduates pursuing a career in actuarial science, particularly as the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow.
About the Derry Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Derry
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 Derry
Entry-level actuarys in Derry, NH typically start between $74,896 and $89,285 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $103,504 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,097 — 14.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in New Hampshire of $65,000 represents just 86.79% of the starting actuary pay ($74,896/year) in Derry. 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 Derry
- 1Research the Derry market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $74,896 to $89,285, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Derry, 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 Derry for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Derry'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 Derry is $103,504 ( 138.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,896, experienced hygienists can earn up to $178,400.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,910
2025 BLS Actual
$72,574
2026 Current Est.
$74,896
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Derry (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,910 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,991 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,432 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,284 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,627 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,635 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,574 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,896 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,293 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Derry, NH grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,910 in 2019 to $72,574 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,293. New graduates entering the Derry job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derry 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 Derry
Actuary positions in Derry are often filled by reputable employers including large life insurers like Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual, which actively recruit recent graduates through established campus programs emphasizing structured study for actuarial exams. Health insurers also seek entry-level talent, providing excellent opportunities for those beginning their careers. Moreover, consulting firms such as Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW tend to offer more competitive starting salaries, particularly to candidates with credentials like the Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) or Associate of the Casualty Actuarial Society (ACAS). Aspiring actuaries should consider pursuing a degree in mathematics, statistics, actuarial science, or finance while also working on passing key exams, as each completed exam typically results in an increase ranging from $3,000 to $8,000 in base pay. By focusing on credentialing and gaining relevant skills, particularly in predictive analytics and data science, new grads can enhance their earning potential significantly and position themselves for advancement in their chosen field.
More salary data for Derry, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 Derry. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derry 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