Charleston vs Columbia: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Charleston, SC and Columbia, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Columbia, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,677 | $137,318▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.90 | $66.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,353▲ | $67,740 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,156 | $100,011▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,147 | $176,224▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $196,349 | $235,895▲ |
| Total Employed | 25 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.
The salary gap between Charleston and Columbia is $10,641 (8.40%). Columbia's median is +2.35% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $121,996,Columbia spans $168,155. Columbia has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($146,610 effective) pays 5.90% more than Charleston ($138,445 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,318/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($235,895)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,610)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Charleston grew 20.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 69.1% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$101,976 (2024) → $122,749 (2025)
Columbia, SC
$78,690 (2019) → $133,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Columbia, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Charleston or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Columbia?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Columbia as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Charleston vs Columbia?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov