Senior Actuary Salary in Summerville, SC: $186,298 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Summerville, SC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $186,298/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Summerville's price premium (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $203,604 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, experienced actuaries in Summerville, South Carolina, can expect to see a median annual salary of $120,192, but the true earning potential for top professionals is significantly higher. Those in the 90th percentile are projected to earn up to $186,298, creating a notable gap between the median and top-tier salaries. This experience premium highlights the substantial rewards that come with advanced knowledge and professional growth in the field. To break into this top tier, actuaries typically need at least seven years of experience, advanced certifications such as FSA or FCAS, and specialized skills. Actuarial professionals must stay ahead of industry trends, continuously expanding their expertise to enhance their value in a competitive marketplace like Summerville.
About the Summerville Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Summerville
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Summerville earn between $153,845 and $186,298 per year (2026 est.). This $110,525 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Summerville median of $120,192 sits 10.41% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Summerville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $120,192 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,845 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $186,298 | $221,983 |
In Summerville, 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 Summerville
Advanced Certifications in South Carolina
SC actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $120,192 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Summerville employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Summerville command premium compensation, often reaching the $153,845–$186,298 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Summerville metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Summerville 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 South Carolina 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 Summerville
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSummerville ranks #14 of 26 South Carolina cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $186,298).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Summerville ($186,298) is 7.39% below the South Carolina average P90 ($201,156).
2019 BLS Actual
$162,477
2025 BLS Actual
$180,521
2026 Current Est.
$186,298
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Summerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $162,477 | Actual |
| 2020 | $164,500 | Actual |
| 2021 | $173,572 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,261 | Actual |
| 2023 | $175,662 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,972 | Actual |
| 2025 | $180,521 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $186,298 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $192,259 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Summerville saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $162,477 in 2019 to $180,521 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 $192,259 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Summerville 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 Summerville
Specializations significantly influence compensation among senior actuaries in Summerville. Fields such as life and annuity, health, property and casualty (P&C), and enterprise risk management (ERM) command higher salaries due to their complexity and demand. For instance, actuaries working for prominent life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife often earn more compared to those in health insurance roles with firms such as Cigna or Anthem. Furthermore, the pathway to advanced positions typically progresses through attaining professional designations, where getting the ASA first, followed by the FSA, can lead to roles such as managing actuary or chief actuary. Continuing education factors heavily into pay scales; actuaries who pass exams not only demonstrate their capability but also often see corresponding increases in their compensation. Ultimately, advanced credentials can significantly elevate senior actuary pay in SC, making it essential for professionals to invest in their education and specialization to maximize their career growth and salary potential in Summerville.
More salary data for Summerville, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Summerville in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Summerville?
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Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Summerville?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Summerville?
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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 $180,521 for actuaries in the Summerville 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 Summerville 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