Columbia vs Springfield: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Columbia, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,142 | $124,309▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.72 | $59.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,843 | $73,883▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,943 | $91,733▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $156,342 | $159,115▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $189,320 | $192,679▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 36▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MO offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Springfield is $2,167 (1.77%). Springfield's median is -7.34% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $118,477,Springfield spans $118,796. Springfield has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($138,738 effective) pays 1.77% more than Columbia ($136,319 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($124,309/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($192,679)
- ✓Larger job market (36 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,738)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Columbia grew 10.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.2% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Columbia, MO
$107,430 (2024) → $118,355 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$109,335 (2024) → $120,454 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Columbia or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Springfield as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Columbia vs Springfield?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov