Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Ballwin, MO: $71,228 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Ballwin, MO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,228 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ballwin's local price level (BEA RPP 89.6 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,496 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,206) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ballwin, Missouri, the entry-level actuary salary for 2026 reflects an initial pay scale that begins at $71,228, making it a competitive starting point for recent graduates in the field. While this figure is significantly lower than the city's median salary of $115,206, new graduates can expect a solid growth trajectory as they gain experience and pass crucial exams. Over the first three to five years in their careers, entry-level actuaries in the area may see their salaries rise towards the P25 benchmark of $86,606, providing a clear incentive for diligence in exam preparation and professional development. Overall, Ballwin offers a promising market for newcomers to the profession, particularly as the city maintains a low cost of living index of 89.6, making it an appealing choice for those beginning their careers.
About the Ballwin Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ballwin
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ballwin
Entry-level actuarys in Ballwin, MO typically start between $71,228 and $86,606 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $107,342 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,206 — 14.13% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Missouri of $45,000 represents just 63.18% of the starting actuary pay ($71,228/year) in Ballwin. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover bachelor's degree tuition at public and private universities, plus estimated actuarial exam fees and study materials. Employers often cover exam costs once employed.
ASA, FSA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Ballwin
- 1Research the Ballwin market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $71,228 to $86,606, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the actuarial science field — employers in MO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Ballwin, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Ballwin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ballwin's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Ballwin is $107,342 ( 150.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,228, experienced hygienists can earn up to $178,570.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,976
2025 BLS Actual
$69,019
2026 Current Est.
$71,228
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Ballwin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,976 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,003 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,570 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,037 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,217 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,006 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,019 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,228 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,507 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Ballwin, MO grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,976 in 2019 to $69,019 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,507. New graduates entering the Ballwin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ballwin metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your actuarial science Career in Ballwin
Large employers in the area, such as Prudential and MetLife, actively hire new grads, promising structured exam study time and a well-defined path for career advancement. Health insurers and consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer also seek new talent, providing opportunities for those with relevant credentials and experience. To enhance starting actuary pay in Missouri, obtaining a Bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science is crucial, along with passing relevant actuarial exams. Moving from an Associate (ASA) to Fellow (FSA) status can substantially influence earnings, as each passed exam typically raises base salary by $3,000 to $8,000. With these dynamics in play, it’s realistic to expect steady salary growth within the first three years, especially if early-career actuaries pursue continuous education and develop their analytical skills to meet the demands of the industry.
More salary data for Ballwin, MO:
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new actuarial science graduates. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Ballwin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ballwin is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for actuarys (SOC 15-2011).
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov