Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Kalispell, MT: $62,942 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Kalispell, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,942 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kalispell's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,428 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,413) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Those entering the actuarial profession in Kalispell, Montana can expect a starting salary around $62,942 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $100,413, suggesting a notable gap for new graduates. However, there’s room for growth as entry-level actuaries progress in their careers; moving from the starting salary to the 25th percentile of approximately $76,183 showcases the potential for increased pay within the first few years. With a projected growth rate of 3.20%, the Kalispell job market shows promise for recent graduates looking to establish themselves in this field, ultimately leading towards the median with experience and exam progression.
About the Kalispell Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kalispell
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 Kalispell
Entry-level actuarys in Kalispell, MT typically start between $62,942 and $76,183 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $89,300 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,413 — 25.15% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Montana of $42,000 represents just 66.73% of the starting actuary pay ($62,942/year) in Kalispell. 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 Kalispell
- 1Research the Kalispell market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $62,942 to $76,183, 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 Kalispell, 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 Kalispell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kalispell'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 Kalispell is $89,300 ( 141.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,942, experienced hygienists can earn up to $152,242.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,348
2025 BLS Actual
$60,990
2026 Current Est.
$62,942
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,348 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,256 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,106 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,704 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,514 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,826 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,942 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,956 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Kalispell, MT grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,348 in 2019 to $60,990 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,956. New graduates entering the Kalispell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kalispell 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 Kalispell
Job opportunities for new grad actuaries in Kalispell primarily lie with large life insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife, along with health insurers that hire entry-level graduates on campus. Actuarial consulting firms like Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW also seek ASA-credentialed analysts, typically offering higher base salaries compared to traditional insurers. Earning a relevant degree—often in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science—and passing initial actuarial exams set the foundation for a prosperous career. Entry-level actuaries interested in increasing their salary should consider focusing on areas where credential progression aligns with compensation; for instance, each exam successfully passed can contribute an additional $3,000 to $8,000 to their base salary. With the industry moving towards incorporating predictive analytics and data science skills, early-career actuaries in Kalispell who enhance their expertise in these areas will find themselves better positioned for advanced roles and financial growth over the vital first few years.
More salary data for Kalispell, 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 Kalispell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kalispell 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