Actuary Salary in Bridgewater, NJ: $152,200 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Bridgewater, NJ earns a median $152,200/year (≈ $73.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Bridgewater's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $132,118 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the landscape for actuary salary in Bridgewater, NJ, sees a median annual rate of $152,200, reflecting a competitive edge relative to the national median of $134,160, which translates to a notable 13.45% premium in local compensation. Salary ranges for this role vary widely, with entry-level positions at about $92,312 and more experienced professionals earning up to $235,911. This pay gradient illustrates the differences between consulting firms, such as Milliman and Mercer, which tend to offer higher compensation compared to traditional insurers, indicating a strong market for actuaries who have achieved fellowship status. Given the active presence of major employers in the area, the job outlook appears robust, suggesting solid opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
About the Bridgewater Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,312 | $44.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,572 | $54.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $152,200 | $73.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $193,585 | $93.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $235,911 | $113.42 |
Median Salary Position
13.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bridgewater
In Bridgewater, NJ, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $143,599 (2026 est.). At $152,200, the local median is 13.45% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bridgewater: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bridgewater Actuary Pay Compares
Bridgewater median: $152,200/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bridgewater Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $154,518 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | +13.45% more |
Actuarys in Bridgewater, NJ earn a median of $152,200 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.45% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 1.50% below the New Jersey state average of $154,518.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bridgewater has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bridgewater, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $152,200 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $132,118 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$122,920
2025 BLS Actual
$147,481
2026 Current Est.
$152,200
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Bridgewater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,920 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,140 | Actual |
| 2022 | $129,318 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,136 | Actual |
| 2024 | $161,095 | Actual |
| 2025 | $147,481 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $152,200 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $157,071 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bridgewater metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $122,920 (2019) to $147,481 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $157,071 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,151 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bridgewater 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) | $92,312 – $113,572 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,572 – $152,200 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $152,200 – $193,585 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $193,585 – $235,911 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Bridgewater
With a total of 10 actuaries currently employed in Bridgewater, the local job market remains stable despite a cost-of-living index of 115.2, indicating that housing and living expenses are relatively higher than the national average. This premium on living costs can affect the take-home purchasing power of actuaries, emphasizing the need for individuals in this field to maximize their compensation. Among local employers, consulting firms tend to lead in offering higher salaries, while life and health insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife also provide competitive packages. Factors such as exam progression significantly influence salary growth, as each passed exam can yield an increase of $3,000 to $8,000 in base pay. To enhance earnings potential in Bridgewater's nuanced market, actuaries should focus on obtaining their FSA credential and consider leveraging skills in predictive analytics, as demand in these areas is rising sharply.
More salary data for Bridgewater, NJ:
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 $147,481 for actuariesin the Bridgewater 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 Bridgewater 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