Actuary Salary in Meridian, MS: $108,997 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Meridian, MS earns a median $108,997/year (≈ $52.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Meridian's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $127,184 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, actuaries in Meridian, Mississippi, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $108,997, representing a significant opportunity for professionals in this field. The salary range for these roles spans from $68,625 at the 10th percentile to $168,945 at the 90th percentile, indicating substantial earning potential for those at advanced stages of their careers. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data and account for regional cost adjustments, highlighting the local salary climate. Although Meridian's actuary salaries are lower than the national median of $134,160, they may provide competitive compensation given the relatively lower cost of living in this area compared to major urban centers.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,625 | $32.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,938 | $39.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $108,997 | $52.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $139,516 | $67.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $168,945 | $81.22 |
Median Salary Position
18.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meridian
In Meridian, MS, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $100,320 (2026 est.). At $108,997, the local median is 18.76% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Meridian: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Meridian Actuary Pay Compares
Meridian median: $108,997/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Meridian Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $114,975 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -18.76% less |
Actuarys in Meridian, MS earn a median of $108,997 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.76% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 5.20% below the Mississippi state average of $114,975.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Meridian has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Meridian, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $108,997 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $127,184 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,028
2025 BLS Actual
$105,617
2026 Current Est.
$108,997
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
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 | $88,028 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,205 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,037 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,493 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,181 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,617 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,997 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,485 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Meridian metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $88,028 (2019) to $105,617 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $112,485 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,457 (27.78%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $68,625 – $82,938 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,938 – $108,997 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $108,997 – $139,516 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $139,516 – $168,945 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Meridian
For actuaries in Meridian, understanding the local job market is essential, given that only seven actuaries are currently employed in the region. With a cost-of-living index of 85.7, this locale offers a generally affordable lifestyle, enhancing the purchasing power of residents. In terms of compensation, life insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife are among the top payers, followed by health insurance firms like UnitedHealth and Cigna. The variance between salaries can be influenced by several factors, including exam progression, with each passed exam typically resulting in a pay increase of $3,000 to $8,000. Achieving a fellowship designation can significantly elevate income, particularly for those in consulting roles where firms demand high-level credentials. To optimize their earnings, actuaries should consider diversifying their skills, particularly in areas like predictive analytics, which are increasingly desirable in the job market.
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
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 $105,617 for actuariesin the Meridian 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 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