Actuary Salary in Salisbury, NC: $123,399 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Salisbury, NC earns a median $123,399/year (≈ $59.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Salisbury's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $131,837 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salisbury, North Carolina, actuaries can expect to earn a median annual salary of $123,399 in 2026, positioning them slightly below the national median of $134,160. The salary range demonstrates the profession's breadth, with earnings projected to span from $74,795 at the 10th percentile to as high as $191,269 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from state-level BLS estimates and regional price adjustments, highlight the varying pay scales often influenced by the actuary's credentials and the market segment they serve. Notably, the discrepancy between consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer versus insurers reflects the demand for specialized skills and advanced qualifications at the Fellow level.
About the Salisbury Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,795 | $35.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $91,756 | $44.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $123,399 | $59.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,731 | $75.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $191,269 | $91.95 |
Median Salary Position
8.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salisbury
In Salisbury, NC, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,474 (2026 est.). At $123,399, the local median is 8.02% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salisbury: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salisbury Actuary Pay Compares
Salisbury median: $123,399/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salisbury Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $125,533 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -8.02% less |
Actuarys in Salisbury, NC earn a median of $123,399 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.02% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 1.70% below the North Carolina state average of $125,533.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salisbury has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salisbury, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $123,399 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $131,837 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,659
2025 BLS Actual
$119,573
2026 Current Est.
$123,399
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Salisbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,659 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,125 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,406 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,847 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,375 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,974 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,573 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,399 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,348 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salisbury metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $99,659 (2019) to $119,573 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,348 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,689 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salisbury 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) | $74,795 – $91,756 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $91,756 – $123,399 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $123,399 – $156,731 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,731 – $191,269 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Salisbury
Despite only six actuaries employed in Salisbury, the local job market presents unique dynamics worth considering. The cost of living index stands at 93.6, which suggests that while salaries may be lower compared to national averages, purchasing power remains relatively strong. Employers in the area, particularly within life insurance and healthcare, such as Prudential and UnitedHealth, may offer competitive pay to attract talent. The notable disparity in salaries can often be traced back to exam progressions and credential levels; each exam passed typically adds significant value to one’s compensation. Moreover, those aspiring to maximize their pay should consider acquiring additional VEE credits or specializing in high-demand areas like data analytics, as these skills are increasingly sought after in both consulting and insurance roles.
More salary data for Salisbury, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $119,573 for actuariesin the Salisbury 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 Salisbury 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