Independence vs Kansas City: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Independence, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Independence, MO | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,677 | $135,894▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.98 | $65.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,439 | $82,374▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $93,199 | $95,862▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,026 | $180,910▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $190,149 | $214,254▲ |
| Total Employed | 30 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Independence.
The salary gap between Independence and Kansas City is $13,217 (10.77%). Kansas City's median is +1.29% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Independence spans $113,710,Kansas City spans $131,880. Kansas City 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, Kansas City ($146,844 effective) pays 7.25% more than Independence ($136,916 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Independence if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,894/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($214,254)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,844)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Independence grew 10.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.6% growth in Kansas City over the same period.
Independence, MO
$107,900 (2024) → $118,873 (2025)
Kansas City, MO
$100,810 (2019) → $131,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Independence, MO
Kansas City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Independence or Kansas City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Independence and Kansas City?
Should I relocate from Independence to Kansas City as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Independence vs Kansas City?
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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