Senior Actuary Salary in Sumter, SC: $181,206 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Sumter, SC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $181,206/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Sumter's price premium (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $198,039 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
For seasoned actuaries in Sumter, South Carolina, the financial landscape of 2026 reveals significant earning potential for experienced professionals. With a median annual salary of $116,907, there is a notable gap between mid-level and top-tier incomes, as the highest earners can make up to $181,206 annually. This performance significantly exceeds the median, underscoring the importance of specialized knowledge and extensive experience in attaining such compensation. Professionals aiming for top actuary salary in Sumter need to focus on advanced credentials and specialized skills to stand out as they navigate their careers towards these lucrative positions.
About the Sumter Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sumter
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Sumter earn between $149,641 and $181,206 per year (2026 est.). This $106,613 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Sumter median of $116,907 sits 12.86% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Sumter | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $116,907 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,641 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $181,206 | $221,983 |
In Sumter, 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 Sumter
Advanced Certifications in South Carolina
SC actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $116,907 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Sumter employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Sumter command premium compensation, often reaching the $149,641–$181,206 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Sumter metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Sumter 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 Sumter
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSumter ranks #20 of 26 South Carolina cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $181,206).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Sumter ($181,206) is 9.92% below the South Carolina average P90 ($201,156).
2019 BLS Actual
$158,036
2025 BLS Actual
$175,587
2026 Current Est.
$181,206
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Sumter (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $158,036 | Actual |
| 2020 | $160,004 | Actual |
| 2021 | $168,828 | Actual |
| 2022 | $162,689 | Actual |
| 2023 | $170,861 | Actual |
| 2024 | $145,872 | Actual |
| 2025 | $175,587 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $181,206 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $187,004 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Sumter saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $158,036 in 2019 to $175,587 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 $187,004 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sumter 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 Sumter
Compensation for senior actuaries in Sumter varies significantly depending on specialization and employer type. Areas such as life and annuity, health, property and casualty, and enterprise risk management often command premium pay, with skills in predictive analytics and capital modeling becoming increasingly valuable. Insurance companies, consulting firms, and reinsurance organizations typically offer divergent salary scales, with consultants generally paying more, especially for fellows from SOA and CAS. Career advancement for these professionals can follow a path from actuarial analyst to ASA, and then potentially to FSA or FCAS, with every exam passed resulting in an increase in salary. Driving this compensation strategy is the rigorous credential progression, where advanced certifications can jumpstart earnings, coupled with non-salary benefits like signing bonuses for completed exams and comprehensive study time packages—critical elements supporting the senior actuary pay SC.
More salary data for Sumter, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Sumter in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Sumter?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Sumter?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Sumter?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Sumter?
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
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 $175,587 for actuaries in the Sumter 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 Sumter 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