Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Missoula, MT: $64,635 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Missoula, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,635 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Missoula's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,188 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,839) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the actuarial field in Missoula, Montana, can expect an entry-level actuary salary starting at around $64,635. This starting figure marks a significant gap from the city's median annual salary of $102,839, highlighting the financial growth potential as early-career professionals build their expertise. Over the first few years, those beginning their careers may see their earnings progress gradually from this entry level to about $78,363, as their skills and responsibilities expand. Given the projected growth rate of 3.20% annually and the local economic environment, Missoula presents a promising market for new grads looking to embark on an actuarial career.
About the Missoula Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Missoula
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 Missoula
Entry-level actuarys in Missoula, MT typically start between $64,635 and $78,363 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $94,766 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,839 — 23.35% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Montana of $42,000 represents just 64.98% of the starting actuary pay ($64,635/year) in Missoula. 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 Missoula
- 1Research the Missoula market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $64,635 to $78,363, 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 Missoula, 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 Missoula for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Missoula'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 Missoula is $94,766 ( 146.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,635, experienced hygienists can earn up to $159,401.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,702
2025 BLS Actual
$62,631
2026 Current Est.
$64,635
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,702 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,635 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,427 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,203 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,088 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,477 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,631 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,635 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,704 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Missoula, MT grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,702 in 2019 to $62,631 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,704. New graduates entering the Missoula job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Missoula 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 Missoula
For recent graduates, understanding which employers in Missoula actively hire entry-level actuaries is critical to maximizing their starting pay. Large life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife often recruit from local universities, offering structured study time for actuarial exams while health insurers and consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer provide competitive opportunities as well. Attaining credentials, such as a Bachelor's degree in mathematics or finishing specific actuarial exams, can significantly influence salary potential. Every passed exam typically adds $3,000 to $8,000 to the base salary, driving compensation upwards as one advances toward ASA or FSA designations. New actuaries should also focus on acquiring skills in predictive analytics and data science, which are increasingly vital in the industry. Realistic expectations for salary advancement in the first few years should include steady progression as one earns additional qualifications and gains practical experience in the field.
More salary data for Missoula, 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 Missoula. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Missoula 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