Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Helena, MT: $64,733 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Helena, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,733 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Helena's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,290 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,705) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the actuarial field in Helena, Montana, the starting actuary salary is projected to be approximately $64,733 in 2026. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city’s median salary of $100,705, it represents a strong entry point into the profession with significant growth potential. Entry-level actuaries can expect their earnings to rise over the first few years, with salaries reaching around $77,845 by the 25th percentile and potentially moving toward the median as they gain experience and complete necessary credentials. Helena’s relatively favorable cost of living index, at 96.2, further enhances the appeal for new graduates considering a career in this market, making it a viable choice for those entering the workforce.
About the Helena Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Helena
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 Helena
Entry-level actuarys in Helena, MT typically start between $64,733 and $77,845 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $91,359 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,705 — 24.94% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Montana of $42,000 represents just 64.88% of the starting actuary pay ($64,733/year) in Helena. 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 Helena
- 1Research the Helena market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $64,733 to $77,845, 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 MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Helena, 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 Helena for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Helena's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Helena is $91,359 ( 141.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,733, experienced hygienists can earn up to $156,092.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,781
2025 BLS Actual
$62,726
2026 Current Est.
$64,733
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Helena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,781 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,715 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,503 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,289 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,179 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,565 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,726 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,733 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,805 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Helena, MT grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,781 in 2019 to $62,726 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,805. New graduates entering the Helena job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Helena 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 Helena
In terms of employment opportunities, several major players in the insurance and consulting sectors hire entry-level actuaries in Helena. Large life insurers like Prudential and MetLife often establish campus recruiting pipelines, while health insurance companies and firms such as Milliman and Mercer actively seek aspiring actuaries with strong academic backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, or finance. For those looking to increase their initial salary, passing actuarial exams — especially through the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) — can lead to salary increments of $3,000 to $8,000 for each completed exam. New graduates should focus on achieving their Associate (ASA) or Associate of the Casualty Actuarial Society (ACAS) credentials within the first three to five years to maximize their earning potential. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.20%, the Helena market offers a path for new actuaries to build a robust career while staying competitive in the wider landscape.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
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 Helena. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Helena 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