Columbia vs St. Louis: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Columbia, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,142 | $133,500▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.72 | $64.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,843 | $81,507▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,943 | $104,862▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $156,342 | $181,849▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $189,320 | $209,785▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 250▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and St. Louis is $11,358 (9.30%). St. Louis's median is -0.49% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $118,477,St. Louis spans $128,278. St. Louis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Louis ($140,396 effective) pays 2.99% more than Columbia ($136,319 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,500/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($209,785)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,396)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Columbia grew 10.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.5% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Columbia, MO
$107,430 (2024) → $118,355 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$98,360 (2019) → $129,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Columbia or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Columbia to St. Louis as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Columbia vs St. Louis?
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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