Jackson vs Laurel: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Jackson, MS and Laurel, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Laurel, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,650▲ | $106,334 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.71▲ | $51.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,938 | $70,389▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,207 | $83,056▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $171,446▲ | $135,604 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $308,754▲ | $164,578 |
| Total Employed | 30▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Laurel.
The salary gap between Jackson and Laurel is $3,316 (3.12%). Jackson's median is -18.27% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $239,816,Laurel spans $94,189. Jackson 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, Laurel ($124,077 effective) pays 0.76% 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 Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,650/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($308,754)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,077)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Jackson grew -5.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 36.8% growth in Laurel over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$112,380 (2020) → $106,250 (2025)
Laurel, MS
$75,296 (2024) → $103,037 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Laurel, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Jackson or Laurel?
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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