Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Laurel, MS: $70,389 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Laurel, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,389 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Laurel's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,134 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($106,334) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the actuarial field in Laurel, Mississippi, in 2026 offers new graduates a starting salary of approximately $70,389, a reliable threshold for those just beginning their careers. This entry-level pay reflects some disparity when compared to the overall median salary for actuaries in the city, which is $106,334, indicating a gap that new actuaries can expect to bridge over time. Fresh graduates can anticipate gradual salary growth, with potential earnings reaching around $83,056 in the 25th percentile as they gain experience. Given the current economic climate and the local job market conditions, Laurel presents a viable option for aspiring actuaries, particularly among those eager to establish themselves in this profession.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Laurel
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 Laurel
Entry-level actuarys in Laurel, MS typically start between $70,389 and $83,056 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $94,189 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $106,334 — 20.74% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Mississippi of $35,000 represents just 49.72% of the starting actuary pay ($70,389/year) in Laurel. 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 Laurel
- 1Research the Laurel market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $70,389 to $83,056, 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 Laurel, 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 Laurel for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Laurel'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 Laurel is $94,189 ( 133.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,389, experienced hygienists can earn up to $164,578.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,304
2025 BLS Actual
$68,206
2026 Current Est.
$70,389
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,304 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,320 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,916 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,294 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,437 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,350 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,206 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,389 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,641 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Laurel, MS grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,304 in 2019 to $68,206 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,641. New graduates entering the Laurel job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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 Laurel
Many employers in Laurel actively seek to hire new grads, particularly large life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, as well as health insurers who value entry-level actuaries. These organizations often have structured training programs and exam preparation support, which can be advantageous for early-career professionals. A strong educational foundation in math, statistics, or actuarial science, combined with passing initial actuarial exams and acquiring Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) credits, can enhance one's marketability in Mississippi. The path to Associate status (ASA) typically spans 4-5 years, while aspiring Fellows (FSA) can expect a commitment of 7-10 years. New graduates aiming to boost their earning potential should focus on passing exams, as each success can yield an additional $3,000 to $8,000 in base salary. Consequently, realistic salary growth expectations for the first few years in Laurel center on diligently advancing through these credential steps, as organizations are inclined to offer higher salaries to those who attain further qualifications.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Laurel in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Laurel?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Laurel?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Laurel?
How do I become a actuary in Mississippi?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Laurel. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laurel 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