Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Liberty, MO: $71,990 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Liberty, MO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,990 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Liberty's local price level (BEA RPP 89.6 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,346 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($118,462) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With the projected entry-level actuary salary in Liberty, Missouri set at $71,990 in 2026, new graduates can establish a solid foundation for their careers, albeit with clear expectations regarding salary growth. Although this figure is significantly lower than the city median of $118,462, there remains a positive trajectory for recent grads over the first few years in the field. Realistically, novices can anticipate reaching $88,500—the 25th percentile—within a few years of gaining experience. Given the steady growth rate of 3.20% annually in this profession, Liberty presents a viable market for aspiring actuaries, as the earning potential increases appreciably with experience, further bolstered by passing actuarial exams.
About the Liberty Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Liberty
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Liberty
Entry-level actuarys in Liberty, MO typically start between $71,990 and $88,500 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $111,627 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $118,462 — 11.7% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Missouri of $45,000 represents just 62.51% of the starting actuary pay ($71,990/year) in Liberty. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover bachelor's degree tuition at public and private universities, plus estimated actuarial exam fees and study materials. Employers often cover exam costs once employed.
ASA, FSA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Liberty
- 1Research the Liberty market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $71,990 to $88,500, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the actuarial science field — employers in MO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Liberty, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Liberty for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Liberty's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Liberty is $111,627 ( 155.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,990, experienced hygienists can earn up to $183,617.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,586
2025 BLS Actual
$69,758
2026 Current Est.
$71,990
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,586 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,624 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,165 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,712 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,926 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,658 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,758 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,990 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,294 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Liberty, MO grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,586 in 2019 to $69,758 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,294. New graduates entering the Liberty job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Liberty 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.
Starting Your actuarial science Career in Liberty
Employers in Liberty that commonly hire new grads include large life insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife, which often recruit actuarial students from universities, providing pathways for structured study time for exams. Health insurance firms and reputable consulting firms, such as Milliman and Mercer, also welcome entry-level actuaries, particularly those with credentials from SOA. A bachelor's degree in fields like actuarial science or finance, along with passing early exams and obtaining VEE credits, significantly enhances starting pay prospects in MO. In the first few years, compensations typically rise as individuals pass exams, with each passing grade worth an estimated $3,000 to $8,000 increase in base pay. Growth contrasts considerably across specialties, with consulting firms offering premium salaries for FSA and FCAS credential holders. Realistic salary increases in the early years hinge on exam progress and the development of in-demand skills, such as predictive analytics, positioning new professionals well for a rewarding career.
More salary data for Liberty, 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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new actuarial science graduates. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Liberty. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Liberty 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