Lake Charles vs New Orleans: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Lake Charles, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Charles, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,177 | $112,975▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.01 | $54.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,584▲ | $66,578 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,625▲ | $83,207 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,467 | $144,608▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,675 | $175,112▲ |
| Total Employed | 15 | 80▲ |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Charles.
The salary gap between Lake Charles and New Orleans is $4,798 (4.44%). New Orleans's median is -15.79% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Charles spans $98,091,New Orleans spans $108,534. New Orleans 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, New Orleans ($125,111 effective) pays 4.44% more than Lake Charles ($119,797 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Charles if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,975/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,112)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,111)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Lake Charles grew 6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.5% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Lake Charles, LA
$98,042 (2024) → $104,823 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$87,210 (2023) → $109,472 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Charles, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Lake Charles or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Charles and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Lake Charles to New Orleans as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Lake Charles vs New Orleans?
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