Actuary Salary in Helena, MT: $100,705 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Helena, MT earns a median $100,705/year (≈ $48.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Helena's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $104,683 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Helena, Montana, the projected median annual salary for actuaries stands at $100,705 for the year 2026, illustrating a significant variance from the national median of $134,160. This figure highlights the difference between consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer, which typically offer higher compensation compared to traditional insurers at the FSA level. In Helena, pay ranges considerably, with the lowest earners making around $64,733 while the highest earners can see salaries reaching up to $156,092. These numbers reflect localized adjustments based on the regional cost of living, which is crucial for understanding compensation dynamics. The competitive nature of actuarial roles in the area is a factor of both demand and the proficiency of the professionals.
About the Helena Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,733 | $31.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,845 | $37.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,705 | $48.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $128,902 | $61.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $156,092 | $75.05 |
Median Salary Position
24.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Helena
In Helena, MT, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $91,359 (2026 est.). At $100,705, the local median is 24.94% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Helena: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Helena Actuary Pay Compares
Helena median: $100,705/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Helena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $105,120 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -24.94% less |
Actuarys in Helena, MT earn a median of $100,705 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.94% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 4.20% below the Montana state average of $105,120.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Helena 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.
Helena, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $100,705 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $104,683 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,331
2025 BLS Actual
$97,582
2026 Current Est.
$100,705
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Helena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,331 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,343 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,492 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,564 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,076 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,729 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,582 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,705 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,927 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Helena metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $81,331 (2019) to $97,582 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,927 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,596 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Helena 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) | $64,733 – $77,845 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,845 – $100,705 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,705 – $128,902 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $128,902 – $156,092 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Helena
As of now, Helena employs only seven actuaries, which suggests a relatively limited job market. The cost-of-living index in Helena sits at 96.2, which positions it below the national average, enhancing the purchasing power of local salaries when compared to more expensive urban areas. Salaries differ based on the employer; companies such as UnitedHealth, Cigna, and insurance firms like Prudential tend to pay more generously, especially for those with advanced credentials like Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) or Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS). The variance in actuary pay in Helena MT arises from several factors: exam progression impacts current pay, with each passed exam often translating to a salary increase, and specialization within the market can dictate higher wages as well. To maximize earnings, actuaries should focus on gaining credentials and consider roles in sectors such as consulting or property & casualty insurance, where salaries generally trend higher.
More salary data for Helena, 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 $97,582 for actuariesin the Helena 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 Helena 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