Actuary Salary in Hackensack, NJ: $148,303 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Hackensack, NJ earns a median $148,303/year (≈ $71.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Hackensack's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $128,735 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hackensack, New Jersey, actuaries can expect a median annual salary of $148,303 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $134,160. The salary range among professionals in this field varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $96,446 and experienced actuaries earning as much as $229,869. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost considerations, reflect the competitive nature of the job market for actuaries in Hackensack. The area presents a contrasting pay gradient, particularly between consulting firms and insurance companies, where higher salaries are often seen at firms like Milliman and Mercer for those who achieve Fellowship status.
About the Hackensack Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,446 | $46.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,000 | $55.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $148,303 | $71.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $187,492 | $90.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $229,869 | $110.52 |
Median Salary Position
10.54% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hackensack
In Hackensack, NJ, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,423 (2026 est.). At $148,303, the local median is 10.54% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hackensack: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hackensack Actuary Pay Compares
Hackensack median: $148,303/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hackensack Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $154,482 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | +10.54% more |
Actuarys in Hackensack, NJ earn a median of $148,303 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.54% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 4.00% below the New Jersey state average of $154,482.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hackensack has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hackensack, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $148,303 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $128,735 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,772
2025 BLS Actual
$143,704
2026 Current Est.
$148,303
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Hackensack (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,772 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,734 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,063 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,006 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,969 | Actual |
| 2025 | $143,704 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,303 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $153,048 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hackensack metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $119,772 (2019) to $143,704 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $153,048 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,276 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hackensack 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) | $96,446 – $115,000 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,000 – $148,303 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $148,303 – $187,492 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $187,492 – $229,869 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Hackensack
Currently, Hackensack employs only eight actuaries, indicating a focused job market with potential for growth, given an annual growth rate of 3.20% projected over the next five years. The local cost of living index at 115.2 suggests that while salaries might appear attractive, the higher expenses can impact real purchasing power. Major employers, from life insurers like Prudential and MetLife to consulting powerhouses such as Aon and WTW, contribute to varying compensation packages. Notably, candidates who follow the exam progression — advancing from ASA to FSA — can significantly enhance their pay due to the expected raises per passed exam. For actuaries in Hackensack, building skills in predictive analytics can further increase marketability and compensation potential, making strategic career planning essential in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Hackensack, 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 $143,704 for actuariesin the Hackensack 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 Hackensack 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