Actuary Pay

Augusta vs Smyrna: Actuary Salary (2026)

Compare actuary salaries between Augusta, GA and Smyrna, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Augusta, GA
$124,699
$59.95/hr
Smyrna, GA
$117,473
$56.48/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAugusta, GASmyrna, GA
Median Salary$124,699$117,473
Hourly Rate$59.95$56.48
Entry Level (P10)$76,497$71,939
25th Percentile$94,155$88,093
75th Percentile$159,614$150,364
Top Earner (P90)$193,283$182,083
Total Employed429
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Augusta ($124,699) and Smyrna ($117,473) actuary salaries.AugustaSmyrnaMedian Salary$124,699$117,473Entry Level (P10)$76,497$71,939Top Earner (P90)$193,283$182,083US Median $134,160

Verdict

Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.

The salary gap between Augusta and Smyrna is $7,226 (6.15%). Augusta's median is -7.05% compared to the US national median of $134,160.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $116,786,Smyrna spans $110,144. Augusta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Augusta
P10 (Entry)$76,497
P25$94,155
Median$124,699
P75$159,614
P90 (Top)$193,283
Smyrna
P10 (Entry)$71,939
P25$88,093
Median$117,473
P75$150,364
P90 (Top)$182,083

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Augusta ($133,941 effective) pays 6.15% more than Smyrna ($126,179 effective).

Augusta
Nominal: $124,699
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $133,941
Smyrna
Nominal: $117,473
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $126,179

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Augusta if…

  • Higher median salary ($124,699/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($193,283)
  • Larger job market (42 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,941)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Smyrna if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Augusta grew 3.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.5% growth in Smyrna over the same period.

Augusta, GA

+3.5%

$116,704 (2024) → $120,832 (2025)

Smyrna, GA

+3.5%

$109,941 (2024) → $113,830 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays actuarys more: Augusta or Smyrna?

Augusta has a higher median actuary salary at $124,699/year, compared to Smyrna at $117,473/year — a difference of $7,226 (6.15%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Smyrna?

Augusta actuarys earn $59.95/hr while Smyrna hygienists earn $56.48/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Augusta to Smyrna as a actuary?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Augusta and Smyrna. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Augusta = $133,941, Smyrna = $126,179), job availability (42 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level actuarys earn in Augusta vs Smyrna?

Entry-level (10th percentile) actuarys earn $76,497 in Augusta and $71,939 in Smyrna. The Augusta area offers higher starting salaries.
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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.

Clinically reviewed by David Patel, ASA, MAAAData verified by Aisha Khan, FSA, CERA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov