Actuary Salary in Columbia, TN: $120,024 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Columbia, TN earns a median $120,024/year (≈ $57.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $130,745 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the landscape of actuary salaries in Columbia, TN reflects a median annual pay of $120,024, which positions the region approximately 10.54% below the national median of $134,160 for the same year. The local salary range spans from $71,212 at the 10th percentile to a robust $186,037 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, show the potential growth and earning opportunities for actuaries in Columbia. This area’s actuarial job market, while smaller with only 10 actuaries currently employed, is steadily expanding, supported by a projected growth rate of 3.20% annually.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,212 | $34.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,017 | $42.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $120,024 | $57.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $153,631 | $73.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $186,037 | $89.44 |
Median Salary Position
10.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, TN, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,825 (2026 est.). At $120,024, the local median is 10.54% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbia Actuary Pay Compares
Columbia median: $120,024/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $123,101 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -10.54% less |
Actuarys in Columbia, TN earn a median of $120,024 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.54% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $123,101.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $120,024 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $130,745 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,933
2025 BLS Actual
$116,302
2026 Current Est.
$120,024
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,933 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,331 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,741 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,979 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,356 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,882 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,302 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,024 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $123,864 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $96,933 (2019) to $116,302 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $123,864 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,931 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $71,212 – $88,017 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,017 – $120,024 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $120,024 – $153,631 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $153,631 – $186,037 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Columbia
Exam progression is a significant factor influencing salary variance in Columbia. Actuaries can increase their earning potential significantly with each examination passed, typically translating to pay raises ranging from $3,000 to $8,000. Though the cost of living index for Columbia stands at 91.8, favoring a better purchasing power relative to the national average, salary levels are anchored by the concentration of employers. Leading firms within the life and health insurance sectors, like Prudential and UnitedHealth, tend to offer competitive salaries, particularly for those who achieve fellowship status. To maximize pay in this market, actuaries should consider specializing in high-demand areas such as property and casualty reinsurance or consulting roles with firms like Mercer and Aon, as these specialties often command higher compensation.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do actuaries make in Columbia, TN in 2026?
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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 $116,302 for actuariesin the Columbia 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 Columbia 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