Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Meridian, MS: $68,625 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Meridian, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,625 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Meridian's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,076 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($108,997) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the actuarial field in Meridian, Mississippi can anticipate an entry-level actuary salary of around $68,625. This figure represents a significant gap from the city's median annual salary of $108,997, indicating that the early-career phase may be financially challenging. However, ambitious newcomers should recognize that there is room for growth; starting at the P10 level not only presents a realistic first job pay but also sets a foundation for salary increments that can reach $82,938 at the 25th percentile within a few years. Given the growing job market for actuaries and the expected annual growth rate of 3.20%, Meridian seems to offer favorable conditions for new graduates looking to establish their careers in this profession.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Meridian
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 Meridian
Entry-level actuarys in Meridian, MS typically start between $68,625 and $82,938 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $100,320 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $108,997 — 18.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Mississippi of $35,000 represents just 51.00% of the starting actuary pay ($68,625/year) in Meridian. 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 Meridian
- 1Research the Meridian market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $68,625 to $82,938, 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 Meridian, 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 Meridian for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Meridian'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 Meridian is $100,320 ( 146.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,625, experienced hygienists can earn up to $168,945.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,894
2025 BLS Actual
$66,497
2026 Current Est.
$68,625
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,894 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,884 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,540 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,733 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,797 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,105 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,497 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,625 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,821 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Meridian, MS grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,894 in 2019 to $66,497 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,821. New graduates entering the Meridian job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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 Meridian
Several employers in the Meridian area actively recruit entry-level actuaries, including major life insurance companies such as Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual, as well as health insurers who value foundational actuarial skills. Consulting firms like Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW are also significant players, often compensating ASA-credentialed analysts at higher starting salaries due to their structured exam preparation initiatives. To enhance earning potential from the outset, fresh graduates should focus on obtaining relevant degrees, completing actuarial exams, and accumulating VEE credits in economics, accounting, and additional mathematics. Understanding that passing each exam can contribute an extra $3,000 to $8,000 to base salary, new entrants should plan a strategic approach to their exam timelines. As they progress towards ASA and eventually FSA or FCAS designations, they can expect salary increases that align closely with their advancement in qualifications, making it imperative to integrate predictive analytics or data science skills into their training for optimal growth in the first few years.
More salary data for Meridian, 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 Meridian. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Meridian 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