Columbia vs North Charleston: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Columbia, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,318▲ | $126,627 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.02▲ | $60.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,740 | $73,444▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $100,011▲ | $97,838 |
| 75th Percentile | $176,224▲ | $162,083 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $235,895▲ | $196,273 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to North Charleston.
The salary gap between Columbia and North Charleston is $10,691 (8.44%). Columbia's median is +2.35% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $168,155,North Charleston spans $122,829. Columbia 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, Columbia ($146,610 effective) pays 5.94% more than North Charleston ($138,390 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,318/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($235,895)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,610)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Columbia grew 69.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.4% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$78,690 (2019) → $133,060 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$101,936 (2024) → $122,701 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
North Charleston, 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