Actuary Salary in Bozeman, MT: $103,481 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Bozeman, MT earns a median $103,481/year (≈ $49.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Bozeman's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $107,569 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bozeman, Montana, aspiring actuaries can expect a median annual salary of $103,481 in 2026, which reflects an adjustment for the local cost of living and economic conditions. The salary range for this profession spans from $65,953 at the 10th percentile to $160,396 at the 90th percentile, indicating a rewarding potential for those who advance through the exam progression and attain higher credentials. These figures are sourced from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, highlighting the impact of regional price disparities on actuary pay in Bozeman. As a hub for actuaries with a limited number of available positions, the local job market offers a unique opportunity for candidates looking to grow their careers in a competitive field.
About the Bozeman Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,953 | $31.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,617 | $38.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,481 | $49.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $132,455 | $63.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $160,396 | $77.11 |
Median Salary Position
22.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bozeman
In Bozeman, MT, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $94,443 (2026 est.). At $103,481, the local median is 22.87% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bozeman: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bozeman Actuary Pay Compares
Bozeman median: $103,481/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bozeman Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $105,163 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -22.87% less |
Actuarys in Bozeman, MT earn a median of $103,481 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.87% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 1.60% below the Montana state average of $105,163.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bozeman has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bozeman, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $103,481 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $107,569 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,573
2025 BLS Actual
$100,272
2026 Current Est.
$103,481
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Bozeman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,573 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,640 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,683 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,923 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,559 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,396 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,272 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,481 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,792 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bozeman metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $83,573 (2019) to $100,272 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,792 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,219 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bozeman 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) | $65,953 – $79,617 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,617 – $103,481 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,481 – $132,455 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $132,455 – $160,396 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Bozeman
With only 14 actuaries currently employed in the Bozeman area, the demand for this specialized skill set is relatively niche, but it aligns with a favorable cost of living index of 96.2, which helps enhance the purchasing power of salaries here. Top-paying employers include leading firms in various sectors, such as life insurance giants like Prudential and health managed care companies like UnitedHealth and Cigna. The differentiation in salary can often be attributed to exam progression, where each passed exam typically yields an increase in base pay. Credential levels play a significant role, with those attaining FSA or FCAS designations often receiving higher compensation, particularly from consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer, which pay a premium for advanced qualifications. For actuaries looking to maximize their salary in Bozeman, focusing on passing exams swiftly, gaining predictive analytics capabilities, and targeting positions in consulting may yield the best financial outcomes in this unique market.
More salary data for Bozeman, 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
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 $100,272 for actuariesin the Bozeman 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 Bozeman 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