Southaven vs Tupelo: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Southaven, MS and Tupelo, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Southaven, MS | Tupelo, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,101 | $113,858▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.38 | $54.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,142▲ | $67,179 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,975 | $90,156▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $144,769 | $145,582▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,307 | $176,480▲ |
| Total Employed | 14▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Tupelo, MS offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Southaven.
The salary gap between Southaven and Tupelo is $757 (0.67%). Tupelo's median is -15.13% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Southaven spans $103,165,Tupelo spans $109,301. Tupelo 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, Tupelo ($132,856 effective) pays 0.67% more than Southaven ($131,973 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Southaven if…
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Tupelo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,858/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,480)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,856)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Southaven grew 36.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.8% growth in Tupelo over the same period.
Southaven, MS
$80,088 (2024) → $109,594 (2025)
Tupelo, MS
$80,625 (2024) → $110,328 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Southaven, MS
Tupelo, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Southaven or Tupelo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Southaven and Tupelo?
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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