Actuary Salary in Albany, NY: $150,235 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Albany, NY earns a median $150,235/year (≈ $72.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Albany's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $129,625 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Albany, NY, the actuarial profession offers a competitive median annual salary of $150,235, which exceeds the national median of $134,160 by a significant margin of 11.98%. Salary ranges for actuaries in the capital city reflect a broad spectrum, with entry-level professionals earning around $87,195 and seasoned experts potentially taking home up to $232,865. These figures are based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data and reflect adjustments for regional cost disparities. The pay gradient becomes particularly apparent when comparing positions in consulting firms like Milliman, Mercer, and WTW against those in traditional insurance roles, given that actuarial jobs in consulting often yield higher salaries due to the demand for specialized skills and advanced certifications.
About the Albany Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,195 | $41.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,056 | $52.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $150,235 | $72.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $192,302 | $92.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $232,865 | $111.95 |
Median Salary Position
11.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Albany
In Albany, NY, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $145,670 (2026 est.). At $150,235, the local median is 11.98% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Albany: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Albany Actuary Pay Compares
Albany median: $150,235/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Albany Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $155,523 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | +11.98% more |
Actuarys in Albany, NY earn a median of $150,235 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.98% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 3.40% below the New York state average of $155,523.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Albany has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Albany, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $150,235 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $129,625 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,890
2025 BLS Actual
$145,577
2026 Current Est.
$150,235
2019–2027 Growth
+23.2%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,570 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,510 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,890 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,220 | Actual |
| 2025 | $145,577 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,235 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,043 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Albany metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 15.6% from $125,890 (2019) to $145,577 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,043 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,153 (23.16%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albany 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) | $87,195 – $109,056 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,056 – $150,235 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $150,235 – $192,302 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $192,302 – $232,865 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Albany
With only 18 actuaries currently employed in Albany, the job market remains relatively small yet stable, presenting opportunities for aspiring professionals. The cost-of-living index in the area stands at 115.9, suggesting that while pay may be higher, it aligns with broader local economic conditions. For individuals seeking the best possible pay, life insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife are known to offer competitive salaries, while consulting firms typically pay more than property and casualty insurers. The variance in compensation can often be attributed to factors like exam progression—each passed exam can lead to salary increases—credential levels, and the specialty market one enters. Actuaries looking to maximize their pay in Albany should prioritize passing relevant exams, acquire consultant-focused skills like predictive analytics, and seek opportunities within high-paying sectors such as property and casualty reinsurance or health consulting.
More salary data for Albany, NY:
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 $145,577 for actuariesin the Albany 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 Albany 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