Baton Rouge vs Lake Charles: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Lake Charles, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Lake Charles, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,399▲ | $108,177 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.00▲ | $52.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,351 | $69,584▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,367 | $83,625▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $146,432▲ | $138,467 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $177,319▲ | $167,675 |
| Total Employed | 37▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Charles.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Lake Charles is $6,222 (5.75%). Baton Rouge's median is -14.73% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $110,968,Lake Charles spans $98,091. Baton Rouge has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Baton Rouge ($126,688 effective) pays 5.75% more than Lake Charles ($119,797 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($114,399/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,319)
- ✓Larger job market (37 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,688)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Charles if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Baton Rouge grew 35.4% from 2023 to 2025, compared to 6.9% growth in Lake Charles over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$81,850 (2023) → $110,852 (2025)
Lake Charles, LA
$98,042 (2024) → $104,823 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Lake Charles, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Baton Rouge or Lake Charles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Lake Charles?
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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
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