Actuary Salary in Opelika, AL: $113,899 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Opelika, AL earns a median $113,899/year (≈ $54.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Opelika's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $129,578 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Actuaries in Opelika, AL, can expect a median annual salary of $113,899 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $134,160. The local salary range extends from $75,169 at the 10th percentile to $176,543 at the 90th percentile, providing a spectrum of compensation reflective of varying experience and credentials. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data with adjustments for regional cost variations, indicating that while actuaries earn a respectable income locally, their pay lags behind national averages. This discrepancy highlights the unique market conditions within Opelika, shaped by industry demand and local cost factors.
About the Opelika Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,169 | $36.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,221 | $42.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $113,899 | $54.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145,791 | $70.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $176,543 | $84.87 |
Median Salary Position
15.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Opelika
In Opelika, AL, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $101,374 (2026 est.). At $113,899, the local median is 15.1% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Opelika: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Opelika Actuary Pay Compares
Opelika median: $113,899/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Opelika Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $117,908 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -15.10% less |
Actuarys in Opelika, AL earn a median of $113,899 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.10% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 3.40% below the Alabama state average of $117,908.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Opelika has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Opelika, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $113,899 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $129,578 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$91,987
2025 BLS Actual
$110,367
2026 Current Est.
$113,899
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Opelika (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,987 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,262 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,907 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,775 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,877 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,690 | Actual |
| 2025 | $110,367 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,899 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $117,544 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Opelika metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $91,987 (2019) to $110,367 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $117,544 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,557 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Opelika 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $75,169 – $89,221 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,221 – $113,899 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $113,899 – $145,791 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $145,791 – $176,543 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Opelika
With only seven actuaries employed in the area, you may find that opportunities are somewhat limited, yet this compact market could present a less competitive landscape for newcomers. The cost of living index sits at 87.9, allowing for slightly better purchasing power despite lower salaries compared to other regions. Among local employers, life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, along with consulting firms such as Aon and Mercer, offer the most lucrative positions, particularly for those with advanced credentials like FSA or FCAS. Exam progression plays a significant role in salary increases, with every passed exam typically contributing an additional $3,000 to $8,000 to base pay. To maximize compensation in Opelika, candidates should focus on securing relevant VEE credits, pursuing fellowships, and enhancing their technical skills in predictive analytics and data science, as these areas are increasingly valuable across various segments of the actuarial market.
More salary data for Opelika, AL:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $110,367 for actuariesin the Opelika metropolitan area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Opelika 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