Billings vs Helena: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Billings, MT and Helena, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Helena, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,434▲ | $100,705 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.14▲ | $48.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,945 | $64,733▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,637▲ | $77,845 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,796▲ | $128,902 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,074▲ | $156,092 |
| Total Employed | 26▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Helena.
The salary gap between Billings and Helena is $7,729 (7.67%). Billings's median is -19.18% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $104,129,Helena spans $91,359. Billings has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Billings ($112,717 effective) pays 7.67% more than Helena ($104,683 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Billings if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,434/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,074)
- ✓Larger job market (26 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,717)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Helena if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Billings grew 0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.9% growth in Helena over the same period.
Billings, MT
$104,154 (2024) → $105,072 (2025)
Helena, MT
$96,729 (2024) → $97,582 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Helena, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov