Actuary Salary in Lowell, MA: $145,966 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Lowell, MA earns a median $145,966/year (≈ $70.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Lowell's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $134,531 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, actuaries in Lowell, Massachusetts can expect a median annual salary of $145,966, surpassing the national median of $134,160 by a notable margin. The salary range is wide, reaching from $91,097 at the 10th percentile to $226,247 at the 90th percentile. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, reflecting local economic conditions and price adjustments in the region. This competitive salary indicates a healthy demand for actuarial expertise in Lowell, where firms are likely seeking professionals who have advanced through the examination process and attained significant credentials, thereby adding value to their organizations.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,097 | $43.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,003 | $53.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $145,966 | $70.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $186,836 | $89.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $226,247 | $108.77 |
Median Salary Position
8.80% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lowell
In Lowell, MA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $135,150 (2026 est.). At $145,966, the local median is 8.8% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lowell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lowell Actuary Pay Compares
Lowell median: $145,966/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lowell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $145,529 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $134,160 | +8.80% more |
Actuarys in Lowell, MA earn a median of $145,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.80% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $145,529.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lowell has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lowell, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $145,966 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $134,531 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$117,885
2025 BLS Actual
$141,440
2026 Current Est.
$145,966
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,885 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,801 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,219 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,021 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,560 | Actual |
| 2024 | $154,497 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,440 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,966 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150,637 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lowell metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $117,885 (2019) to $141,440 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $150,637 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,752 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lowell 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $91,097 – $111,003 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,003 – $145,966 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $145,966 – $186,836 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $186,836 – $226,247 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Lowell
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are 29 actuaries currently employed in Lowell, highlighting a concentrated yet competitive environment. The cost of living index stands at 108.5, which, while above the national average, may affect take-home purchasing power in a city with higher living expenses. Key employers across various sectors, including Prudential and UnitedHealth, are known for their competitive compensation packages, further influenced by factors like exam progression and the level of credentials held, such as ASA or FSA. To maximize their earning potential, actuaries in Lowell should focus on passing exams promptly, gaining experience in sectors like property and casualty Insurance or consulting, and enhancing skills in areas like predictive analytics, which are increasingly valuable in today’s market. This strategic approach can help improve their position and pay within this vibrant market.
More salary data for Lowell, MA:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $141,440 for actuariesin the Lowell metropolitan area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lowell 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