Actuary Salary in Columbia, MO: $122,142 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Columbia, MO earns a median $122,142/year (≈ $58.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $136,319 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% above the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the actuary salary in Columbia, MO is projected to reach a median of $122,142, reflecting a competitive local market compared to the national average of $134,160. Actuaries in this region can expect salaries that range from $70,843 at the lower end (P10) to as high as $189,320 (P90) for those with significant experience and credentials. Estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 using regional price adjustments. The relatively stable job market, with 23 actuaries currently employed in Columbia, suggests a steady demand for these professionals, although the local pay lags slightly behind national averages.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,843 | $34.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,943 | $42.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,142 | $58.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,342 | $75.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $189,320 | $91.02 |
Median Salary Position
8.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, MO, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,477 (2026 est.). At $122,142, the local median is 8.96% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbia Actuary Pay Compares
Columbia median: $122,142/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $120,219 | +1.60% more |
| National Average | $134,160 | -8.96% less |
Actuarys in Columbia, MO earn a median of $122,142 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.96% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 1.60% above the Missouri state average of $120,219.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia 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.
Columbia, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $122,142 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,319 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,644
2025 BLS Actual
$118,355
2026 Current Est.
$122,142
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,644 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,084 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,414 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,779 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,251 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,355 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,142 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $126,051 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $98,644 (2019) to $118,355 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $126,051 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,407 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $70,843 – $87,943 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,943 – $122,142 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,142 – $156,342 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,342 – $189,320 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Columbia
When considering actuary pay in Columbia MO, the cost of living plays a crucial role, with an index of 89.6 indicating that expenses are below the national average. This lower cost of living can enhance the purchasing power of actuaries in the area, allowing them to achieve a comfortable lifestyle even with salaries that are slightly lower than their national counterparts. Employers such as State Farm and Progressive lead in compensation, particularly for actuaries who specialize in property and casualty insurance. The variance in pay reflects the progression incentives linked to exam completion; each exam passed can contribute an additional $3,000 to $8,000 in annual salary. Furthermore, career advancement opportunities through certifications like ASA to FSA can lead actuaries towards lucrative consulting roles with firms such as Mercer and Aon, which often offer premium salaries. Building skills in predictive analytics can also enhance an actuary's marketability, positioning them for better compensation in Columbia's evolving job landscape.
More salary data for Columbia, 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 $118,355 for actuariesin the Columbia 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 Columbia 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