Hattiesburg vs Jackson: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Jackson, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Jackson, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,702▲ | $109,650 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.75▲ | $52.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,213▲ | $68,938 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,340▲ | $80,207 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,418 | $171,446▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,037 | $308,754▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 30▲ |
Verdict
Hattiesburg and Jackson are closely matched on overall actuary compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Jackson is $52 (0.05%). Hattiesburg's median is -18.23% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $99,824,Jackson spans $239,816. Jackson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hattiesburg ($128,007 effective) pays 3.96% more than Jackson ($123,136 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,702/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,007)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($308,754)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Hattiesburg grew 36.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.5% growth in Jackson over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$77,681 (2024) → $106,300 (2025)
Jackson, MS
$112,380 (2020) → $106,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Jackson, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Hattiesburg or Jackson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Jackson?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Jackson as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Hattiesburg vs Jackson?
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