Senior Actuary Salary in Great Falls, MT: $162,564 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Great Falls, MT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $162,564/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Great Falls's price premium (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $168,985 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the experienced actuary salary in Great Falls, Montana, reaches a competitive median of $104,880, with the potential for top earners to achieve an impressive $162,564. The disparity between this top-tier pay and the median salary highlights the significant experience premium available as actuaries hone their skills and expertise over the years. Achieving such standout compensation typically requires a robust blend of specialized knowledge, advanced credentials, and possibly leadership roles within firms. With a projected growth rate of 3.20%, those who can position themselves effectively within the local market can find rewarding career trajectories that move them toward these peak salary brackets.
About the Great Falls Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Great Falls
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Great Falls earn between $134,247 and $162,564 per year (2026 est.). This $101,734 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Great Falls median of $104,880 sits 21.82% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Great Falls | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $104,880 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,247 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $162,564 | $221,983 |
In Great Falls, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Great Falls
Advanced Certifications in Montana
MT actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $104,880 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Great Falls employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Great Falls command premium compensation, often reaching the $134,247–$162,564 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Great Falls metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Great Falls with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Actuaries in Montana who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Actuary Career & Wage Growth Path in Great Falls
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGreat Falls ranks #2 of 7 Montana cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $162,564).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Great Falls ($162,564) is 0.38% above the Montana average P90 ($161,942).
2019 BLS Actual
$141,778
2025 BLS Actual
$157,523
2026 Current Est.
$162,564
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $141,778 | Actual |
| 2020 | $143,543 | Actual |
| 2021 | $151,459 | Actual |
| 2022 | $145,952 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,283 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,147 | Actual |
| 2025 | $157,523 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $162,564 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $167,766 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Great Falls saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $141,778 in 2019 to $157,523 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.20% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $167,766 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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.
Maximizing Your Actuary Earnings in Great Falls
When examining the compensation landscape for senior actuaries in Great Falls, certain specialties command higher salaries than others. Areas such as life and annuity, health, property and casualty, and enterprise risk management are particularly valued, with consulting firms often offering better pay than traditional insurers. Notably, life insurance companies like Prudential and managed care organizations such as UnitedHealth are among the top employers in this field. Advancement paths for seasoned professionals typically entail transitioning from actuarial analyst to roles like managing actuary or chief actuary, with steps along the way including achieving credentials such as ASA and FSA. The examination process remains a key factor in salary growth; passing each exam tends to elevate fiscal compensation significantly. Moreover, non-salary benefits like study time packages and signing bonuses further incentivize commitment to certification, as advanced credentials open doors to lucrative opportunities in consulting versus traditional insurance roles.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Great Falls in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Great Falls?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Great Falls?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Great Falls?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Great Falls?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $157,523 for actuaries in the Great Falls metro area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Great Falls 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