Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Pearl, MS: $70,185 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Pearl, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,185 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pearl's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,896 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($113,885) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of actuarial science in Pearl, Mississippi, the starting pay marks a noticeable entry point at around $70,185 in 2026. While this initial salary is nearly $43,700 below the median annual salary of $113,885 for actuaries in the city, recent entrants can expect a promising growth trajectory over the first few years. Positioning themselves toward the first quartile salary of approximately $85,803 within a few years reflects the potential for career advancement as they gain experience and pass additional actuarial exams. Given Pearl's relatively low cost of living index at 85.7, newly-minted actuaries may find that their starting salary presents a viable entry into the profession, even as they work toward higher compensation.
About the Pearl Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pearl
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 Pearl
Entry-level actuarys in Pearl, MS typically start between $70,185 and $85,803 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $106,338 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $113,885 — 15.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Mississippi of $35,000 represents just 49.87% of the starting actuary pay ($70,185/year) in Pearl. 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 Pearl
- 1Research the Pearl market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $70,185 to $85,803, 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 Pearl, 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 Pearl for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pearl'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 Pearl is $106,338 ( 151.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,185, experienced hygienists can earn up to $176,523.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,142
2025 BLS Actual
$68,009
2026 Current Est.
$70,185
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Pearl (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,142 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,155 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,757 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,114 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,248 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,188 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,009 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,185 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,431 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Pearl, MS grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,142 in 2019 to $68,009 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,431. New graduates entering the Pearl job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pearl 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 Pearl
In terms of opportunities, Pearl hosts several employers known for recruiting new graduates, particularly large life insurers like Prudential and Northwestern Mutual, which often have structured programs for recent grads. Health insurance companies also hire entry-level actuaries, offering solid paths toward career development. Consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer are known to pay higher entry-level salaries, especially for those holding an ASA credential due to the value placed on expertise in actuarial science. Essential for aspiring actuaries is to actively pursue professional credentials, including VEE credits and passing the SOA or CAS exams, as these milestones can significantly boost new grad actuary pay in MS. Typically, each passed exam can add $3,000 to $8,000 to a base salary, creating a strong incentive for a focused exam strategy during the crucial early years of their career. In the competitive Pearl market, realistic salary growth expectations for new actuaries in their first three years can be encouraging, especially for proactive candidates who enhance their marketability through continuous education and skill development.
More salary data for Pearl, 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 Pearl. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pearl 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