Actuary Salary in Memphis, TN: $132,794 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Memphis, TN earns a median $132,794/year (≈ $63.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Memphis's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $144,656 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.8% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $132,794 for 2026, actuaries in Memphis, TN, earn competitive compensation in relation to their peers across the United States. The salary spectrum ranges from $77,020 at the 10th percentile to as much as $205,830 at the 90th percentile, indicating a broad pay scale reflective of varied experience levels and specializations. These local salary figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences, suggest that actuaries in the area are positioned well within the consulting versus insurance pay gradient, particularly for those achieving Fellowship status in their respective organizations. Given Memphis's demand for skilled actuaries, both consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer and major insurance companies offer compelling opportunities that can lead to substantial earning potential.
About the Memphis Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,020 | $37.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,391 | $48.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,794 | $63.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,976 | $81.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $205,830 | $98.96 |
Median Salary Position
1.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Memphis
In Memphis, TN, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $128,810 (2026 est.). At $132,794, the local median is 1.02% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Memphis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Memphis Actuary Pay Compares
Memphis median: $132,794/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Memphis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $123,185 | +7.80% more |
| National Average | $134,160 | -1.02% less |
Actuarys in Memphis, TN earn a median of $132,794 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.02% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 7.80% above the Tennessee state average of $123,185.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Memphis has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Memphis, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $132,794 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $144,656 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$107,246
2025 BLS Actual
$128,676
2026 Current Est.
$132,794
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,246 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,899 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,821 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,829 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,778 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,829 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,676 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,794 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,043 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Memphis metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $107,246 (2019) to $128,676 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,043 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,797 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis 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) | $77,020 – $100,391 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,391 – $132,794 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,794 – $169,976 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,976 – $205,830 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Memphis
In Memphis, the actuarial job market currently employs around 122 professionals, underscoring the demand for expertise in risk management and analytics. The cost of living index stands at 91.8, indicating that take-home pay might stretch further in this market compared to national norms. Large employers, such as Prudential and UnitedHealth, typically offer higher salaries, reflecting the regional preference for life and health insurance roles. A significant factor in the broad salary range is the progression through exams; each passed exam can yield a salary increase, often between $3,000 to $8,000. Therefore, candidates focusing on actuarial exams should prioritize their path to Fellowship status and seek opportunities in specialized fields like property and casualty or consulting, where pay tends to be more competitive. To maximize pay in Memphis, pursuing advanced credentials, leveraging internships for experience, and positioning oneself within top-paying firms will be key strategies for success.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
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 $128,676 for actuariesin the Memphis 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 Memphis 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