Actuary Salary in Cape Girardeau, MO: $116,615 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Cape Girardeau, MO earns a median $116,615/year (≈ $56.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Cape Girardeau's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $130,151 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, actuaries in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $116,615. The local salary range extends from $77,438 at the 10th percentile to as high as $180,753 for those at the 90th percentile, indicating a promising opportunity for growth in this profession. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic factors, suggest that while Cape Girardeau’s salaries are somewhat lower than the national median of $134,160, the compensation remains competitive within the context of the local cost of living. This disparity emphasizes the potential for significant financial incentives in sectors such as life insurance, health, and property and casualty markets, where the demand for actuaries can lead to lucrative pay packages based on specialty and experience.
About the Cape Girardeau Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,438 | $37.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $91,974 | $44.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $116,615 | $56.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $148,754 | $71.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $180,753 | $86.90 |
Median Salary Position
13.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cape Girardeau
In Cape Girardeau, MO, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $103,315 (2026 est.). At $116,615, the local median is 13.08% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cape Girardeau: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cape Girardeau Actuary Pay Compares
Cape Girardeau median: $116,615/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cape Girardeau Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $120,222 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -13.08% less |
Actuarys in Cape Girardeau, MO earn a median of $116,615 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.08% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 3.00% below the Missouri state average of $120,222.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cape Girardeau has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cape Girardeau, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $116,615 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $130,151 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,180
2025 BLS Actual
$112,999
2026 Current Est.
$116,615
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Cape Girardeau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,180 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,051 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,083 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,307 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,568 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,999 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,615 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,347 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cape Girardeau metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $94,180 (2019) to $112,999 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $120,347 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,167 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cape Girardeau 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $77,438 – $91,974 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $91,974 – $116,615 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $116,615 – $148,754 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $148,754 – $180,753 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Cape Girardeau
The local job market for actuaries in Cape Girardeau is relatively small, with only six actuaries presently employed in the area. The cost of living index, recorded at 89.6, indicates that residents can expect a slightly lower cost than the national average, enhancing their purchasing power despite the regional salary levels. Among local employers, life insurance firms like Prudential and MetLife typically offer higher salaries compared to health insurance or consulting firms, although strong positions are also found within reinsurance and property and casualty sectors. The notable salary spread from entry-level to senior positions often reflects a combination of exam progression, which can add $3,000 to $8,000 per passed exam, and specialty focus. Actuaries aiming to maximize pay in Cape Girardeau should consider pursuing additional credentials and gaining experience in high-demand areas, as well as exploring opportunities in consulting firms, which often command higher rates for FSAs/FCAS.
More salary data for Cape Girardeau, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $112,999 for actuariesin the Cape Girardeau metropolitan area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cape Girardeau 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