Senior Actuary Salary in Gulfport, MS: $177,524 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Gulfport, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $177,524/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Gulfport's price premium (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $207,146 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gulfport, Mississippi, seasoned actuaries looking to maximize their earning potential can anticipate median annual salaries around $114,531 in 2026, with top earners reaching $177,524. This figure is significantly lower than the national median of $134,160, presenting a striking 14.63% gap. Navigating to this upper echelon of pay typically requires extensive experience, with a dedicated approach to obtaining advanced credentials such as the FSA or FCAS. For those aiming for the higher income brackets, the combination of specialized knowledge in areas like predictive analytics or capital modeling, along with impressive exam progression, can serve as a powerful catalyst for achieving top actuary salary levels in Gulfport.
About the Gulfport Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gulfport
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Gulfport earn between $146,600 and $177,524 per year (2026 est.). This $111,096 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Gulfport median of $114,531 sits 14.63% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Gulfport | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $114,531 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,600 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $177,524 | $221,983 |
In Gulfport, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Gulfport
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $114,531 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Gulfport employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Gulfport command premium compensation, often reaching the $146,600–$177,524 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Gulfport metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Gulfport with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Actuaries in Mississippi who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Actuary Career & Wage Growth Path in Gulfport
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGulfport ranks #2 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $177,524).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Gulfport ($177,524) is 10% below the Mississippi average P90 ($197,247).
2019 BLS Actual
$154,825
2025 BLS Actual
$172,019
2026 Current Est.
$177,524
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Gulfport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $154,825 | Actual |
| 2020 | $156,752 | Actual |
| 2021 | $165,397 | Actual |
| 2022 | $159,383 | Actual |
| 2023 | $167,389 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,707 | Actual |
| 2025 | $172,019 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $177,524 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $183,204 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Gulfport saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $154,825 in 2019 to $172,019 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.20% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $183,204 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gulfport 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.
Maximizing Your Actuary Earnings in Gulfport
Positioning oneself for senior actuary pay in MS hinges on specialization and employer type. Experienced professionals in life and annuity, health insurance, or enterprise risk management often command salaries significantly above their peers in traditional property and casualty sectors. The employer's nature plays a crucial role in these variations; for example, actuarial roles within consulting firms like Mercer or Aon may offer a premium for fellows, while life insurance companies such as Prudential generally follow a more moderate pay scale. Advancement in the profession generally follows a structured path from actuarial analyst to managing actuary or chief actuary, with rigorous exams and additional coursework essential for moving from ASA to FSA status. Non-monetary factors, such as supportive study programs and signing bonuses for exam completions, also contribute to overall compensation, making Gulfport an alluring place for ambitious actuaries to flourish.
More salary data for Gulfport, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Gulfport in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Gulfport?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Gulfport?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Gulfport?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Gulfport?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $172,019 for actuaries in the Gulfport metro area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gulfport 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