Actuary Pay

Baton Rouge vs Metairie: Actuary Salary (2026)

Compare actuary salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Metairie, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baton Rouge, LA
$114,399
$55.00/hr
Metairie, LA
$111,097
$53.42/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaton Rouge, LAMetairie, LA
Median Salary$114,399$111,097
Hourly Rate$55.00$53.42
Entry Level (P10)$66,351$64,436
25th Percentile$82,367$85,912
75th Percentile$146,432$142,204
Top Earner (P90)$177,319$172,201
Total Employed3723
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baton Rouge ($114,399) and Metairie ($111,097) actuary salaries.Baton RougeMetairieMedian Salary$114,399$111,097Entry Level (P10)$66,351$64,436Top Earner (P90)$177,319$172,201US Median $134,160

Verdict

Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Metairie.

The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Metairie is $3,302 (2.97%). 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,Metairie spans $107,765. Baton Rouge has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Baton Rouge
P10 (Entry)$66,351
P25$82,367
Median$114,399
P75$146,432
P90 (Top)$177,319
Metairie
P10 (Entry)$64,436
P25$85,912
Median$111,097
P75$142,204
P90 (Top)$172,201

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baton Rouge ($126,688 effective) pays 2.97% more than Metairie ($123,031 effective).

Baton Rouge
Nominal: $114,399
CoL Index: 90.3
Adjusted: $126,688
Metairie
Nominal: $111,097
CoL Index: 90.3
Adjusted: $123,031

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 Metairie 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 Metairie over the same period.

Baton Rouge, LA

+35.4%

$81,850 (2023) → $110,852 (2025)

Metairie, LA

+6.9%

$100,688 (2024) → $107,652 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays actuarys more: Baton Rouge or Metairie?

Baton Rouge has a higher median actuary salary at $114,399/year, compared to Metairie at $111,097/year — a difference of $3,302 (2.97%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Metairie?

Baton Rouge actuarys earn $55.00/hr while Metairie hygienists earn $53.42/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Metairie as a actuary?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baton Rouge and Metairie. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baton Rouge = $126,688, Metairie = $123,031), job availability (37 vs 23 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level actuarys earn in Baton Rouge vs Metairie?

Entry-level (10th percentile) actuarys earn $66,351 in Baton Rouge and $64,436 in Metairie. The Baton Rouge area offers higher starting salaries.
MC

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