Actuary Salary in North Charleston, SC: $126,627 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in North Charleston, SC earns a median $126,627/year (≈ $60.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in North Charleston's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $138,390 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% above the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, actuaries specializing in life, health, and pension services in North Charleston, South Carolina, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $126,627. This is slightly below the national median of $134,160, reflecting a pay structure influenced by local market conditions. The salary range for these actuaries spans from $73,444 at the tenth percentile to $196,273 at the ninetieth percentile, indicating a significant variance in compensation depending on experience and specialization. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and account for regional price adjustments, presenting a clear picture of what professionals in this field can anticipate in this part of SC. The job market in North Charleston shows promise for actuaries, particularly as demand for these specialists continues to grow in sectors like life insurance and health care.
About the North Charleston Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,444 | $35.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,838 | $47.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,627 | $60.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,083 | $77.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $196,273 | $94.37 |
Median Salary Position
5.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Charleston
In North Charleston, SC, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,829 (2026 est.). At $126,627, the local median is 5.61% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Charleston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Charleston Actuary Pay Compares
North Charleston median: $126,627/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Charleston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $122,701 | +3.20% more |
| National Average | $134,160 | -5.61% less |
Actuarys in North Charleston, SC earn a median of $126,627 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.61% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 3.20% above the South Carolina state average of $122,701.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Charleston has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
North Charleston, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $126,627 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,390 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,267
2025 BLS Actual
$122,701
2026 Current Est.
$126,627
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in North Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,267 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,796 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,954 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,590 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,262 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,936 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,701 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,627 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,680 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Charleston metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $102,267 (2019) to $122,701 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,680 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,413 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Charleston 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) | $73,444 – $97,838 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,838 – $126,627 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,627 – $162,083 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,083 – $196,273 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in North Charleston
The job market for actuaries in North Charleston is currently home to 22 professionals, a modest number that highlights the niche nature of this field. With a cost-of-living index at 91.5, actuaries can enjoy a relatively affordable lifestyle, enhancing their purchasing power. Among the local employers, life insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife often offer competitive salaries, while health insurance giants like UnitedHealth and Cigna also play significant roles in remuneration. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to several factors, including exam progression, with each passed actuarial exam significantly increasing base pay. To maximize earning potential, aspiring actuaries in North Charleston should focus on obtaining relevant credentials, considering the shift towards data science and predictive analytics skills, and seek roles within consulting firms that typically offer higher compensation for credentialed actuaries. Understanding the local salary nuances is crucial for navigating career growth in this town.
More salary data for North Charleston, SC:
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 $122,701 for actuariesin the North Charleston 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 North Charleston 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