New Orleans vs Ruston: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between New Orleans, LA and Ruston, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Orleans, LA | Ruston, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,975▲ | $105,392 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.31▲ | $50.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,578 | $67,814▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,207▲ | $80,901 |
| 75th Percentile | $144,608▲ | $134,902 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,112▲ | $163,357 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 4 |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ruston.
The salary gap between New Orleans and Ruston is $7,583 (7.20%). 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 New Orleans spans $108,534,Ruston spans $95,543. New Orleans 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, New Orleans ($125,111 effective) pays 7.20% more than Ruston ($116,713 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Ruston if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in New Orleans grew 25.5% from 2023 to 2025, compared to 6.9% growth in Ruston over the same period.
New Orleans, LA
$87,210 (2023) → $109,472 (2025)
Ruston, LA
$95,518 (2024) → $102,124 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Orleans, LA
Ruston, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: New Orleans or Ruston?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Orleans and Ruston?
Should I relocate from New Orleans to Ruston as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in New Orleans vs Ruston?
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