Charleston vs Sumter: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Charleston, SC and Sumter, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Sumter, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,677▲ | $116,907 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.90▲ | $56.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,353 | $74,593▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $93,156▲ | $89,595 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,147▲ | $149,641 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $196,349▲ | $181,206 |
| Total Employed | 25▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sumter.
The salary gap between Charleston and Sumter is $9,770 (8.36%). Charleston's median is -5.58% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $121,996,Sumter spans $106,613. Charleston 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, Charleston ($138,445 effective) pays 8.36% more than Sumter ($127,767 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($126,677/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($196,349)
- ✓Larger job market (25 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,445)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Sumter if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Charleston grew 20.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.4% growth in Sumter over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$101,976 (2024) → $122,749 (2025)
Sumter, SC
$94,111 (2024) → $113,282 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Sumter, SC
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
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