Senior Actuary Salary in Oxford, MS: $170,023 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Oxford, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $170,023/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Oxford's price premium (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $198,393 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 2026, Oxford, Mississippi, presents a compelling opportunity for seasoned actuaries, particularly those striving for top-tier compensation. With a median annual salary projected at $109,692, experienced professionals are set to gain significantly more, entering a market where top earners can command as much as $170,023. This indicates a substantial experience premium that separates the median from the upper echelons of pay. To reach these high salary thresholds, actuaries must focus on honing specific skill sets, obtaining advanced credentials like the FSA, and specializing in areas such as predictive analytics or enterprise risk management. The wage gap between the median and the highest earners reflects the value placed on expertise and advanced qualifications in this market, positioning Oxford as a strategic location for career-minded actuaries.
About the Oxford Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oxford
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Oxford earn between $140,406 and $170,023 per year (2026 est.). This $99,830 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Oxford median of $109,692 sits 18.24% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Oxford | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $109,692 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,406 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $170,023 | $221,983 |
In Oxford, 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 Oxford
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $109,692 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Oxford employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Oxford command premium compensation, often reaching the $140,406–$170,023 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Oxford metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Oxford 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 Oxford
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedOxford ranks #11 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $170,023).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Oxford ($170,023) is 13.8% below the Mississippi average P90 ($197,247).
2019 BLS Actual
$148,284
2025 BLS Actual
$164,751
2026 Current Est.
$170,023
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Oxford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $148,284 | Actual |
| 2020 | $150,129 | Actual |
| 2021 | $158,409 | Actual |
| 2022 | $152,649 | Actual |
| 2023 | $160,316 | Actual |
| 2024 | $120,395 | Actual |
| 2025 | $164,751 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $170,023 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $175,464 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Oxford saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $148,284 in 2019 to $164,751 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 $175,464 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oxford 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 Oxford
Compensation in the Oxford region can vary widely depending on the specific insurance sector and actuarial specialization. Actuaries engaged in life and annuity, health, or sophisticated predictive analytics often witness superior pay compared to those in traditional property and casualty roles. Employers such as Prudential, UnitedHealth, and various consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer typically offer competitive salaries for senior actuaries, with additional compensation strategies that reward advanced credentials and exam completions. The career progression often follows a clear path—from actuarial analyst to leadership roles like managing actuary or chief actuary—which not only enhances earning potential but also provides opportunities for impact within organizations. Importantly, the journey to becoming a Fellow (FSA or FCAS) demands a focused effort, as additional certifications can significantly elevate one’s salary. With a projected growth rate of 3.20%, the demand for actuaries with specialized skills continues to rise, reinforcing the importance of continuous professional development and exam success in determining senior actuary pay in MS.
More salary data for Oxford, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Oxford in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Oxford?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Oxford?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Oxford?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Oxford?
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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 $164,751 for actuaries in the Oxford 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 Oxford 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