Actuary Salary in Lake Charles, LA: $108,177 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Lake Charles, LA earns a median $108,177/year (≈ $52.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Lake Charles's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $119,797 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Actuaries in Lake Charles, Louisiana, can expect a median annual salary of $108,177 in 2026, positioning them notably lower than the national median of $134,160. The local salary range spans from $69,584 at the 10th percentile to $167,675 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a competitive job market influenced by a combination of local demand and specialty areas. As employers in the region include both life insurance providers and consulting firms, the salary gradient typically favors those in consulting roles, especially for fellows (FSA/FCAS) with advanced credentials and significant exam progress. With just 15 actuaries currently employed in Lake Charles, this niche market may offer unique opportunities for qualified candidates to establish a foothold within a rapidly evolving sector.
About the Lake Charles Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($110,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,584 | $33.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,625 | $40.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $108,177 | $52.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $138,467 | $66.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $167,675 | $80.61 |
Median Salary Position
19.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Charles
In Lake Charles, LA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $98,091 (2026 est.). At $108,177, the local median is 19.37% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Charles: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake Charles Actuary Pay Compares
Lake Charles median: $108,177/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Charles Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $109,602 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -19.37% less |
Actuarys in Lake Charles, LA earn a median of $108,177 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.37% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 1.30% below the Louisiana state average of $109,602.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Charles has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Charles, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $108,177 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $119,797 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,366
2025 BLS Actual
$104,823
2026 Current Est.
$108,177
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Lake Charles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,366 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,527 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,390 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,914 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,042 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,823 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,177 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,639 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Charles metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $87,366 (2019) to $104,823 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $111,639 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,273 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Charles 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) | $69,584 – $83,625 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,625 – $108,177 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $108,177 – $138,467 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $138,467 – $167,675 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Lake Charles
When examining the local job market strength for actuaries, the cost of living index in Lake Charles stands at 90.3, which may enhance the purchasing power of those working as actuaries despite lower salaries compared to national averages. Employers such as Prudential, MetLife, and UnitedHealth play key roles in shaping compensation structures, with credentials being a significant factor influencing salary potential. The progression from ASA to FSA can yield notable increases in pay, often between $3,000 to $8,000 per exam passed, affecting overall earnings significantly. Practical strategies to maximize actuary pay in Lake Charles include gaining predictive analytics skills, targeting firms that value consulting experience, and maintaining a focus on professional development through continuous credentialing, which positions actuaries for higher compensation and broader opportunities within the industry.
More salary data for Lake Charles, LA:
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 $104,823 for actuariesin the Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles 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