Fort Smith vs Searcy: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Searcy, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Searcy, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,155▲ | $96,092 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.11▲ | $46.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,682▲ | $60,168 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,948▲ | $72,553 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,757▲ | $120,046 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,340▲ | $145,155 |
| Total Employed | 15▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Searcy.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Searcy is $6,063 (6.31%). Fort Smith's median is -23.86% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $96,658,Searcy spans $84,987. Fort Smith has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($117,555 effective) pays 6.31% more than Searcy ($110,578 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,155/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($158,340)
- ✓Larger job market (15 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,555)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Searcy if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Fort Smith grew 10.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.3% growth in Searcy over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$89,714 (2024) → $98,987 (2025)
Searcy, AR
$84,390 (2024) → $93,112 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Searcy, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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