Senior Actuary Salary in Charleston, SC: $196,349 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Charleston, SC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $196,349/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Charleston's price premium (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $214,589 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Charleston, South Carolina, the potential for experienced actuaries to command top-tier salaries is significant, with projected earnings reaching as high as $196,349 in 2026 for the 90th percentile. The median annual salary sits at $126,677, illustrating a substantial experience premium that separates those at the top of their field from their peers. To tap into this upper echelon, actuaries typically require extensive industry-specific knowledge, advanced credentials such as FSA or FCAS, and a strong understanding of specialized actuarial functions. Moreover, they often engage with high-value employers that can afford to compensate for their experience and skill set, thus paving the way to achieving a top actuary salary in Charleston.
About the Charleston Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Charleston
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Charleston earn between $162,147 and $196,349 per year (2026 est.). This $121,996 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Charleston median of $126,677 sits 5.58% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Charleston | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $126,677 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,147 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $196,349 | $221,983 |
In Charleston, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Charleston
Advanced Certifications in South Carolina
SC actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $126,677 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Charleston employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Charleston command premium compensation, often reaching the $162,147–$196,349 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Charleston metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Charleston with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Actuaries in South Carolina who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Actuary Career & Wage Growth Path in Charleston
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCharleston ranks #2 of 26 South Carolina cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $196,349).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Charleston ($196,349) is 2.39% below the South Carolina average P90 ($201,156).
2019 BLS Actual
$171,244
2025 BLS Actual
$190,261
2026 Current Est.
$196,349
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $171,244 | Actual |
| 2020 | $173,375 | Actual |
| 2021 | $182,937 | Actual |
| 2022 | $176,286 | Actual |
| 2023 | $185,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $158,063 | Actual |
| 2025 | $190,261 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $196,349 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $202,633 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Charleston saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $171,244 in 2019 to $190,261 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.20% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $202,633 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Charleston 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.
Maximizing Your Actuary Earnings in Charleston
The compensation landscape for senior actuaries in Charleston is influenced by various factors, including specialization and employer type. Actuaries with expertise in lucrative areas like predictive analytics, enterprise risk management, or property & casualty insurance often see higher pay, especially when employed by leading firms such as Munich Re or UnitedHealth. The hierarchy of compensation typically favors those who advance from ASA to FSA, with significant pay jumps accompanying each step in the exam process. Furthermore, positions at consulting firms tend to offer a higher salary compared to traditional insurers, highlighting the financial benefits of pursuing roles at companies like Mercer or Aon. Advanced certifications and continued professional development, combined with the potential for performance-based bonuses and sign-on incentives, are critical drivers of senior actuary pay in SC, making it an appealing and rewarding career path for dedicated professionals.
More salary data for Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Charleston in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Charleston?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Charleston?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Charleston?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Charleston?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $190,261 for actuaries in the Charleston metro area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Charleston 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