Business & Finance Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Actuary Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median actuary salary in Boston, MA is $181,244 per year, which is 59.0% above the national median and 12.0% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$181,244
vs State Avg
+$19,378
vs National
+$67,254
Cost of Living
152%

Actuary Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median actuary salary of $181,244, which is $19,378 above the Massachusetts state average of $161,866. Compared to the national median of $113,990, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $181,244 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $119,239. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for actuarys in Boston spans from $108,756 at the 10th percentile to $311,656 at the 90th percentile — a $202,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $111,300, while senior actuarys with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $278,250. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Actuary Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level actuary earns around $111,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $278,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$111,300
+$41,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$182,850
+$67,850 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$278,250
+$103,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $108,756
25th Percentile $138,648
Median (50th) $181,244
75th Percentile $240,090
90th Percentile $311,656

Actuary Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$190,363
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$133,368
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$127,669
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$119,690
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Actuary in Boston

Education

Most actuary positions require a bachelor's degree. Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Statistical ModelingRisk AssessmentFinancial MathematicsExcel/VBASQLActuarial Exams

Job Outlook

Nationally, actuary employment is projected to grow 21% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Boston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Actuary Jobs in Boston

Browse open actuary positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Actuary Salary in Boston

How much does a Actuary make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median actuary salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $181,244 per year, which is 59.0% above the national median of $113,990. Salaries range from $108,756 (10th percentile) to $311,656 (90th percentile).
How much does a Actuary make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $181,244, a actuary in Boston earns approximately $87 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for actuary pay? ▼
Boston's median actuary salary of $181,244 is 12.0% above the Massachusetts state average of $161,866. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a actuary salary of $181,244 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a actuary in Boston? ▼
Most actuary positions in Boston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Statistical Modeling, Risk Assessment, Financial Mathematics, Excel/VBA. The job market is projected to grow 21% nationally over the next decade.