Do smaller firms pay more than larger companies?

[jbsmoove]

Would a smaller mutual life insurance company pay more than larger public insurance companies?

If not, what's keeping actuaries from jumping ship to a larger company where there's opportunity to work on a wider breadth of projects, more room for career development etc.?

[Johnny Deformed]

Which has more room for career development is debatable. Some small firms will also specialize in some things and be the best at it. The larger firms might not be hiring anyone. The big firm is a long commute. You'd rather be president of the small one than junior vice president in charge of donkey valuation.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Nothing is so cut-and-dry.