Actuary Salary in Plainfield, NJ: $154,261 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Plainfield, NJ earns a median $154,261/year (≈ $74.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Plainfield's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $133,907 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, actuaries in Plainfield, NJ, can expect a median annual salary of $154,261, reflecting a robust job market for these professionals. With an impressive salary range from $89,471 to $239,105, these figures highlight significant earning potential relative to the national median of $134,160. This local salary estimation takes into account regional price adjustments based on BLS state-level data. The comparatively high compensation indicates not only the demand for actuaries in Plainfield but also the potential for financial growth within this profession, particularly as one progresses through the rigorous exam process.
About the Plainfield Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,471 | $43.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,067 | $53.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $154,261 | $74.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $197,455 | $94.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $239,105 | $114.95 |
Median Salary Position
14.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plainfield
In Plainfield, NJ, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $149,634 (2026 est.). At $154,261, the local median is 14.98% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Plainfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Plainfield Actuary Pay Compares
Plainfield median: $154,261/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Plainfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $154,570 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | +14.98% more |
Actuarys in Plainfield, NJ earn a median of $154,261 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.98% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 0.20% below the New Jersey state average of $154,570.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Plainfield has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Plainfield, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $154,261 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $133,907 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$124,584
2025 BLS Actual
$149,478
2026 Current Est.
$154,261
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,584 | Actual |
| 2020 | $127,666 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,767 | Actual |
| 2022 | $131,069 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $163,276 | Actual |
| 2025 | $149,478 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $154,261 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $159,198 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Plainfield metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $124,584 (2019) to $149,478 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $159,198 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,614 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plainfield 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) | $89,471 – $112,067 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,067 – $154,261 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $154,261 – $197,455 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $197,455 – $239,105 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Plainfield
The actuary job market in Plainfield is relatively stable, with approximately 10 actuaries currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index stands at 115.2, suggesting that actuaries need to account for a higher expense of living when considering their take-home pay. Major employers in the region, including life insurance companies like Prudential and health insurers like UnitedHealth, typically offer more competitive salaries for credentialed actuaries. Variations in pay often result from factors such as exam progression, where each passed exam may incrementally increase salary by $3,000 to $8,000. Financial incentives like signing bonuses for newly qualified fellows also contribute to the salary disparity. For aspiring actuaries in Plainfield, focusing on passing exams efficiently and attaining higher credentials—particularly in consulting roles—may be the most effective strategies for maximizing their actuary pay in this competitive market.
More salary data for Plainfield, 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 $149,478 for actuariesin the Plainfield 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 Plainfield 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