Actuary Salary in Elizabeth, NJ: $155,967 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Elizabeth, NJ earns a median $155,967/year (≈ $74.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Elizabeth's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $135,388 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, actuaries in Elizabeth, New Jersey are projected to earn a median annual salary of $155,967, which is significantly above the national median of $134,160. The salary range for this profession in the region stretches from $98,258 at the 10th percentile to $241,749 for those at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse market for skills and specialties. Local estimates, based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight a robust compensatory environment for actuaries. Particularly, the demographic choice between life and health versus property and casualty specialties shapes the earnings landscape, influencing overall job attractiveness in Elizabeth.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,258 | $47.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $119,780 | $57.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $155,967 | $74.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $199,638 | $95.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $241,749 | $116.22 |
Median Salary Position
16.25% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elizabeth
In Elizabeth, NJ, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $143,491 (2026 est.). At $155,967, the local median is 16.25% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elizabeth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elizabeth Actuary Pay Compares
Elizabeth median: $155,967/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elizabeth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $154,576 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $134,160 | +16.25% more |
Actuarys in Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $155,967 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.25% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $154,576.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elizabeth has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elizabeth, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $155,967 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $135,388 — a 13.19% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$125,962
2025 BLS Actual
$151,131
2026 Current Est.
$155,967
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,962 | Actual |
| 2020 | $129,077 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,114 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,519 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,506 | Actual |
| 2024 | $165,081 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,131 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,967 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,958 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elizabeth metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $125,962 (2019) to $151,131 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $160,958 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,996 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabeth 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) | $98,258 – $119,780 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $119,780 – $155,967 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $155,967 – $199,638 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $199,638 – $241,749 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Elizabeth
A closer look at the local job market reveals that 25 actuaries are currently employed in Elizabeth, a number that underscores a relatively focused market. With a cost of living index of 115.2, the higher salary offerings for actuaries help to maintain purchasing power in a city where expenses may be elevated. Among the employers, life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, as well as health insurance giants such as UnitedHealth and Cigna, offer competitive salaries compared to property and casualty firms. The variation in pay often arises from an actuary's exam progression, as each passed exam typically translates to a pay increase. Actuaries aiming to maximize their salary in Elizabeth should consider pursuing advanced credentials, such as FSA or FCAS, and continuously develop skills in data analytics, which are increasingly valuable in both consulting and insurance sectors.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do actuaries make in Elizabeth, NJ in 2026?
Is Elizabeth, NJ a good place to work as a actuary?
Can actuaries make $100K in Elizabeth?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted actuary salary in Elizabeth?
How much does a actuary make per hour in Elizabeth?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 $151,131 for actuariesin the Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth 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