Actuary Salary in Ridgeland, MS: $110,390 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Ridgeland, MS earns a median $110,390/year (≈ $53.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Ridgeland's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $128,810 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, actuaries in Ridgeland, Mississippi, can anticipate a median annual salary of $110,390, positioned significantly lower than the national average of $134,160. Salary projections for local actuaries reveal a range from $70,608 at the 10th percentile to $168,249 at the 90th percentile, with quarter values indicating a more nuanced earnings landscape. These projections are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, reflecting regional cost of living adjustments relevant to Ridgeland's job market. The local actuarial scene is notably influenced by specialty markets divided between those focused on life, health, and pension through the SOA, and those dedicated to property and casualty through the CAS.
About the Ridgeland Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,608 | $33.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,858 | $42.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $110,390 | $53.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $139,081 | $66.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $168,249 | $80.89 |
Median Salary Position
17.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ridgeland
In Ridgeland, MS, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $97,641 (2026 est.). At $110,390, the local median is 17.72% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ridgeland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ridgeland Actuary Pay Compares
Ridgeland median: $110,390/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ridgeland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $114,990 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -17.72% less |
Actuarys in Ridgeland, MS earn a median of $110,390 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.72% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 4.00% below the Mississippi state average of $114,990.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ridgeland 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.
Ridgeland, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $110,390 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $128,810 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,153
2025 BLS Actual
$106,967
2026 Current Est.
$110,390
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Ridgeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,153 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,358 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,137 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,794 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,739 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,168 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,967 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110,390 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $113,922 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ridgeland metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $89,153 (2019) to $106,967 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $113,922 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,769 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ridgeland 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) | $70,608 – $88,858 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,858 – $110,390 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $110,390 – $139,081 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $139,081 – $168,249 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Ridgeland
A closer look at the job market indicates that only five actuaries are currently employed in Ridgeland, underscoring the market's narrow scope. With a cost of living index at 85.7, the purchasing power for residents is more favorable than in many parts of the country, potentially providing additional financial leeway. Prominent employers in the area include a mix of life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, as well as managed care firms such as UnitedHealth and Cigna. The disparity in actuary pay stems from various factors, including exam progression where each passed exam typically enhances base salary by $3,000 to $8,000, alongside credential levels that dictate earning potential. To maximize pay in Ridgeland, focusing on passing exams and considering roles in firms that require advanced credentials, such as consulting companies, can be advantageous.
More salary data for Ridgeland, 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 $106,967 for actuariesin the Ridgeland 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 Ridgeland 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