Senior Actuary Salary in North Charleston, SC: $196,273 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in North Charleston, SC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $196,273/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back North Charleston's price premium (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $214,506 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
Salaries for seasoned actuaries in North Charleston, SC, reflect the potential for lucrative compensation at the higher echelons of the profession. In 2026, top earners can expect to achieve substantial annual salaries, with the 90th percentile reaching $196,273, while the 75th percentile individuals command around $162,083. This stark contrast to the median salary of $126,627 highlights the significant experience premium available to those advancing through their careers. To attain such top-tier pay, actuaries in North Charleston must not only leverage extensive experience—typically over seven years—but also develop expertise in high-demand areas like predictive analytics and capital modeling, all while navigating the competitive salary landscape compared to national averages.
About the North Charleston Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Charleston
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in North Charleston earn between $162,083 and $196,273 per year (2026 est.). This $122,829 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The North Charleston median of $126,627 sits 5.61% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | North Charleston | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $126,627 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,083 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $196,273 | $221,983 |
In North 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 North Charleston
Advanced Certifications in South Carolina
SC actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $126,627 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by North Charleston employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in North Charleston command premium compensation, often reaching the $162,083–$196,273 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the North Charleston metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in North 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 North Charleston
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedNorth Charleston ranks #3 of 26 South Carolina cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $196,273).
Top 10% actuary compensation in North Charleston ($196,273) is 2.43% below the South Carolina average P90 ($201,156).
2019 BLS Actual
$171,177
2025 BLS Actual
$190,187
2026 Current Est.
$196,273
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in North Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $171,177 | Actual |
| 2020 | $173,308 | Actual |
| 2021 | $182,866 | Actual |
| 2022 | $176,217 | Actual |
| 2023 | $185,068 | Actual |
| 2024 | $158,001 | Actual |
| 2025 | $190,187 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $196,273 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $202,554 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in North Charleston saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $171,177 in 2019 to $190,187 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 $202,554 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North 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 North Charleston
At the senior level, specialization plays a crucial role in determining compensation for experienced actuaries in North Charleston. Fields such as life and annuity, health insurance, and enterprise risk management are particularly lucrative, often yielding higher pay than more traditional roles. Employers range from life insurance giants like Prudential to consulting firms like Mercer where the pay gradient reflects specialization: FSAs and FCAS credential holders tend to secure the best offers, especially in consulting. Career advancements, including moving from an actuarial analyst role to a chief actuary position or becoming a consulting practice principal, further influence earning potential. Achieving advanced credentials, such as the FSA or FCAS, significantly impacts salary, especially since each passed exam can yield salary increments between $3,000 and $8,000. A well-rounded education in mathematics or actuarial science, combined with the successful completion of required exams, lays a solid foundation for those aspiring to tap into the upper income brackets of senior actuary pay in SC.
More salary data for North Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in North Charleston in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in North Charleston?
What certifications boost actuary salary in North Charleston?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in North Charleston?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in North Charleston?
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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
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 $190,187 for actuaries in the North 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 North 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