Helena vs Missoula: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Helena, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Helena, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,705 | $102,839▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.41 | $49.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,733▲ | $64,635 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,845 | $78,363▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,902 | $131,634▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,092 | $159,401▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Missoula, MT offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Helena.
The salary gap between Helena and Missoula is $2,134 (2.12%). Missoula's median is -23.35% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Helena spans $91,359,Missoula spans $94,766. Missoula 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, Missoula ($106,901 effective) pays 2.12% 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 Helena if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,839/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,401)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,901)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Helena grew 0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.9% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Helena, MT
$96,729 (2024) → $97,582 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$98,780 (2024) → $99,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Helena, MT
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Helena or Missoula?
What is the hourly rate difference between Helena and Missoula?
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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