Actuary Hourly Pay in Opelika, AL: $54.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a actuary working in Opelika, AL runs $54.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,899 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Weighted against Opelika's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $62.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,338 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Opelika, Alabama, the typical actuary hourly pay stands at $54.76, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $64.50. This difference places local actuaries in a unique position where their earnings may reflect not only regional economic conditions but also the specific industries they serve. For actuaries working part-time—say, three days a week—this hourly rate translates into a substantial income, particularly in roles within insurance pricing departments or consulting firms. The hourly pay can range from $36.14 at entry-level positions to $84.87 for top earners, providing ample opportunity for those at different stages of their careers to find rewarding positions in Opelika's job market.
About the Opelika Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Actuary Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.14 | $289.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.89 | $343.12 |
| Median (P50) | $54.76 | $438.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.09 | $560.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.87 | $678.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Opelika
Based on $54.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.76/hr, a actuary working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Opelika, AL can expect to earn approximately $113,896 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,710. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Opelika.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Opelika
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,190.32 | $9,491 | $113,896 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,314.19 | $5,695 | $68,338 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $876.13 | $3,797 | $45,559 |
Compare ASA, FSA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Actuary (Opelika) | $54.76 |
| Statistician (National Avg) | $51.53 |
| Mathematician (National Avg) | $56.16 |
| Financial Analyst (National Avg) | $47.61 |
| Data Scientist (National Avg) | $54.40 |
Actuarys in Opelika, AL earn a median of $113,899 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.10% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 3.40% below the Alabama state average of $117,908.
Actuary Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.76/hr = $68,338/year (purchasing power: $77,745).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,896/year (purchasing power: $129,575).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Actuaries in Opelika (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for actuaries in Opelika grew 20.0% from $44.22/hr (2019) to $53.06/hr (2025). At a 3.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.51/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem actuaries can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Opelika 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.
Working as an Hourly Actuary in Opelika
Examining part-time employment, an actuary working just 24 hours a week can expect to generate an annual income of around $68,000, a figure that still offers competitive compensation when compared to other local professions. Per diem work, while less common for junior actuaries, finds seasoned professionals with FSA or FCAS designations commanding rates ranging from $250 to $500 per hour for consulting projects. Those engaged in expert witness testimony related to insurance or pension cases might charge even higher, between $400 and $800 per hour. Employers across diverse sectors—including life, health, and property & casualty insurance—may provide varying hourly rates, often with trade-offs in benefits and job responsibilities. Actuaries considering roles in Opelika should weigh the benefits of employment with health insurance against the higher hourly rates that come without benefits in consulting or per diem work. Those negotiating their hourly pay should emphasize their credential progression and specific skills, as these can be significant bargaining chips in a competitive market.
More salary data for Opelika, AL:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for actuaries in Opelika. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Opelika 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