Actuary Salary in Jackson, MI: $123,310 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Jackson, MI earns a median $123,310/year (≈ $59.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Jackson's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $132,307 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, actuaries in Jackson, Michigan, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $123,310, reflecting a notable pay gradient when compared to regional insurer positions versus consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer. The salary range spans from $75,082 at the 10th percentile to $191,129 at the 90th percentile, suggesting significant earning potential for highly credentialed professionals. These figures stem from local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. As the job market evolves, Jackson presents unique opportunities for actuaries aiming to specialize or advance through exam achievement, particularly in consulting or specialty markets that typically command higher pay.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,082 | $36.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,230 | $44.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $123,310 | $59.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $157,049 | $75.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $191,129 | $91.89 |
Median Salary Position
8.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
In Jackson, MI, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,047 (2026 est.). At $123,310, the local median is 8.09% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jackson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jackson Actuary Pay Compares
Jackson median: $123,310/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jackson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $125,060 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -8.09% less |
Actuarys in Jackson, MI earn a median of $123,310 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.09% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 1.40% below the Michigan state average of $125,060.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jackson has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jackson, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $123,310 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $132,307 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,587
2025 BLS Actual
$119,486
2026 Current Est.
$123,310
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,587 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,050 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,335 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,771 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,295 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,294 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,486 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,310 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,255 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jackson metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $99,587 (2019) to $119,486 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,255 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,668 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $75,082 – $92,230 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,230 – $123,310 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $123,310 – $157,049 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $157,049 – $191,129 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Jackson
With only six actuaries currently employed in the Jackson area, the local job market remains relatively niche. The cost of living index stands at 93.2, which is below the national average, allowing for enhanced purchasing power for those earning salaries within the local range. Among employers, consulting firms tend to pay the highest, closely followed by life and health insurance companies, while property and casualty insurers have a reputation for competitive wages. Factors such as exam progression, from ASA to FSA credentialing, heavily influence salary differences. Each passed exam generally correlates with a $3,000 to $8,000 increase in base pay. Actuaries seeking to maximize their earnings should focus on building advanced analytical skills, as these are increasingly valued in the industry and can set candidates apart in a competitive job market like Jackson, MI.
More salary data for Jackson, MI:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $119,486 for actuariesin the Jackson metropolitan area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jackson 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