Business & Finance Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Actuary Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median actuary salary in Columbia, MD is $140,208 per year, which is 23.0% above the national median and 7.0% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$140,208
vs State Avg
+$9,119
vs National
+$26,218
Cost of Living
118%

Actuary Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median actuary salary of $140,208, which is $9,119 above the Maryland state average of $131,089. Compared to the national median of $113,990, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $140,208 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $118,820. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for actuarys in Columbia spans from $84,132 at the 10th percentile to $241,092 at the 90th percentile — a $156,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $86,100, while senior actuarys with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $215,250. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Actuary Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level actuary earns around $86,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $215,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$86,100
+$16,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$141,450
+$26,450 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$215,250
+$40,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $84,132
25th Percentile $107,256
Median (50th) $140,208
75th Percentile $185,730
90th Percentile $241,092

Actuary Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$144,767
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$136,788
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$128,809
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$125,389
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Actuary in Columbia

Education

Most actuary positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Maryland area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Statistical ModelingRisk AssessmentFinancial MathematicsExcel/VBASQLActuarial Exams

Job Outlook

Nationally, actuary employment is projected to grow 21% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Actuary Jobs in Columbia

Browse open actuary positions in Columbia, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Actuary Salary in Columbia

How much does a Actuary make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median actuary salary in Columbia, Maryland is $140,208 per year, which is 23.0% above the national median of $113,990. Salaries range from $84,132 (10th percentile) to $241,092 (90th percentile).
How much does a Actuary make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,208, a actuary in Columbia earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for actuary pay? ▼
Columbia's median actuary salary of $140,208 is 7.0% above the Maryland state average of $131,089. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a actuary salary of $140,208 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a actuary in Columbia? ▼
Most actuary positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Statistical Modeling, Risk Assessment, Financial Mathematics, Excel/VBA. The job market is projected to grow 21% nationally over the next decade.