St. Louis vs Independence: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between St. Louis, MO and Independence, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Independence, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,500▲ | $122,677 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.18▲ | $58.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,507▲ | $76,439 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,862▲ | $93,199 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,849▲ | $157,026 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $209,785▲ | $190,149 |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 30 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Independence.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Independence is $10,823 (8.82%). 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 St. Louis spans $128,278,Independence spans $113,710. St. Louis 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, St. Louis ($140,396 effective) pays 2.54% 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 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
Choose Independence if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in St. Louis grew 31.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.2% growth in Independence over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$98,360 (2019) → $129,360 (2025)
Independence, MO
$107,900 (2024) → $118,873 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Independence, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: St. Louis or Independence?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Independence?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to Independence as a actuary?
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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