Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Clinton, MS: $68,941 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Clinton, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,941 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Clinton's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,445 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,712) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the actuarial field in Clinton, Mississippi can expect entry-level salaries starting around $68,941. This figure represents a significant gap from the city median annual salary of $105,712. However, early-career actuaries can anticipate their earnings to grow as they gain experience and pass exams; within the first three to five years, salaries typically progress from the P10 mark at $68,941 to the P25 at $81,816, indicating a positive growth trajectory. Given the city's cost of living index of 85.7, which is below the national average, Clinton offers a relatively favorable market for newcomers pursuing their careers in actuarial science.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Clinton
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clinton
Entry-level actuarys in Clinton, MS typically start between $68,941 and $81,816 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $93,784 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,712 — 21.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Mississippi of $35,000 represents just 50.77% of the starting actuary pay ($68,941/year) in Clinton. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover bachelor's degree tuition at public and private universities, plus estimated actuarial exam fees and study materials. Employers often cover exam costs once employed.
ASA, FSA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Clinton
- 1Research the Clinton market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $68,941 to $81,816, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the actuarial science field — employers in MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Clinton, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Clinton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Clinton's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Clinton is $93,784 ( 136.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,941, experienced hygienists can earn up to $162,725.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,146
2025 BLS Actual
$66,803
2026 Current Est.
$68,941
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,146 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,141 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,786 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,013 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,091 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,328 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,803 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,941 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,147 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Clinton, MS grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,146 in 2019 to $66,803 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,147. New graduates entering the Clinton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your actuarial science Career in Clinton
Employers in Clinton actively seek out new graduates from local universities and beyond, with large life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife often recruiting through campus partnerships designed specifically for aspiring actuaries. These firms provide structured study time for actuarial exams, creating an environment conducive to success. Health insurers also hire entry-level actuaries, while consulting firms such as Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW have a reputation for offering higher starting salaries, especially to those with ASA credentials. To maximize starting actuary pay in MS, graduates should focus on passing their initial actuarial exams, as each successful attempt typically increases base compensation by $3,000 to $8,000. With the competition pushing candidates towards consulting careers, developing skills in predictive analytics and data science can further enhance prospects for career advancement and salary growth during those critical first few years in the field.
More salary data for Clinton, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new actuarial science graduates. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Clinton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clinton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for actuarys (SOC 15-2011).
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov