Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Southaven, MS: $72,142 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Southaven, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,142 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Southaven's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,180 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($113,101) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Southaven, Mississippi, new graduates can expect to see their entry-level actuary salary at around $72,142 in 2026, which is significantly below the median annual salary for the city of $113,101. This gap reflects the typical starting salary range for those entering the profession, suggesting that early-career actuaries have considerable room for growth. Over the initial years, a recent grad may realistically anticipate moving toward the 25th percentile, which stands at $86,975, as they gain experience and progress through their actuarial exams. Southaven currently presents a moderately favorable market for new actuaries, given the local salary averages and the cost of living index at 85.7, indicating that fresh talent can leverage this environment for early career development.
About the Southaven Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Southaven
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 Southaven
Entry-level actuarys in Southaven, MS typically start between $72,142 and $86,975 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $103,165 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $113,101 — 15.7% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Mississippi of $35,000 represents just 48.52% of the starting actuary pay ($72,142/year) in Southaven. 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 Southaven
- 1Research the Southaven market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $72,142 to $86,975, 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 Southaven, 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 Southaven for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Southaven'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 Southaven is $103,165 ( 143.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,142, experienced hygienists can earn up to $175,307.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,707
2025 BLS Actual
$69,905
2026 Current Est.
$72,142
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Southaven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,707 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,748 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,283 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,846 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,067 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,592 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,905 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,142 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,451 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Southaven, MS grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,707 in 2019 to $69,905 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,451. New graduates entering the Southaven job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Southaven 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 Southaven
A number of prominent employers in the Southaven area recognize the potential of new actuary graduates and actively seek to fill entry-level positions. Major life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, along with health insurers and consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer, have established campus recruitment processes to attract actuarial talent. Candidates with a strong academic foundation — particularly in math, statistics, or actuarial science, alongside successful completion of actuarial exams — can boost their entry-level pay in Mississippi. The exam passage rates significantly impact compensation; with each passed exam, new actuaries can see increases of $3,000 to $8,000 in their salaries. For those considering a long-term career in this field, the pathway to ASA and then FSA or FCAS will be crucial, especially as firms in consulting sectors offer higher salaries for advanced credentials. The initial 1-3 years may yield a moderate growth trajectory in salary, particularly for those who enhance their skills with VEE credits and pivot towards predictive analytics, a growing demand in the field.
More salary data for Southaven, 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 Southaven. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Southaven 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