Senior Actuary Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $170,037 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Hattiesburg, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $170,037/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Hattiesburg's price premium (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $198,410 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 Hattiesburg, Mississippi, a senior actuary can expect to see an appealing compensation structure, with the 2026 median annual salary projected at $109,702. For seasoned professionals achieving top-tier pay, the landscape looks even more favorable, with the potential to earn up to $170,037 at the 90th percentile. This represents a significant income premium compared to the median, highlighting the experience gap that such expertise can create in the market. To reach these upper echelons of the salary range, actuaries in Hattiesburg must not only excel in their roles but also cultivate strong specializations and professional credentials, along with advanced technical skills that align with industry demands.
About the Hattiesburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hattiesburg
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Hattiesburg earn between $140,418 and $170,037 per year (2026 est.). This $99,824 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hattiesburg median of $109,702 sits 18.23% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Hattiesburg | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $109,702 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,418 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $170,037 | $221,983 |
In Hattiesburg, 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 Hattiesburg
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $109,702 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hattiesburg employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Hattiesburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $140,418–$170,037 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hattiesburg metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHattiesburg ranks #10 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $170,037).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Hattiesburg ($170,037) is 13.79% below the Mississippi average P90 ($197,247).
2019 BLS Actual
$148,296
2025 BLS Actual
$164,765
2026 Current Est.
$170,037
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $148,296 | Actual |
| 2020 | $150,142 | Actual |
| 2021 | $158,423 | Actual |
| 2022 | $152,662 | Actual |
| 2023 | $160,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $120,406 | Actual |
| 2025 | $164,765 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $170,037 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $175,479 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Hattiesburg saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $148,296 in 2019 to $164,765 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 $175,479 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
Those pursuing the highest levels of remuneration in Hattiesburg often find that certain specializations command more significant pay premiums. Areas such as enterprise risk management, predictive analytics, and capital modeling are especially lucrative, particularly within established firms across diverse sectors, including life insurance companies and consulting firms. Here, compensation can vary widely depending on the employer type. For instance, professionals working for consulting firms like Milliman or Aon typically observe higher salary benchmarks than those employed by traditional insurers. Career advancement paths such as moving from an actuarial analyst to obtaining an ASA, then progressing to an FSA or FCAS significantly influence potential earnings. In this field, achieving advanced credentials notably enhances senior actuary pay in MS; each exam passed along the journey to full fellowship can translate into substantial financial rewards. Non-salary benefits like exam progression bonuses and specialized training packages further incentivize continuous professional development and expertise in high-demand actuarial areas.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Hattiesburg in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Hattiesburg?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Hattiesburg?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Hattiesburg?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Hattiesburg?
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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 $164,765 for actuaries in the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg 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