Actuary Salary in Independence, MO: $122,677 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Independence, MO earns a median $122,677/year (≈ $58.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Independence's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $136,916 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Actuaries in Independence, Missouri, can expect a median annual pay of $122,677 in 2026, which places local compensation approximately 8.56% below the national median of $134,160. The overall salary range for this profession is quite wide, starting at $76,439 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $190,149 for the most experienced professionals. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional economic factors, providing a relevant context for prospective actuaries. While consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer typically offer higher pay scales compared to traditional insurance firms, applicants in Independence will find opportunities across various sectors, affecting competition and job availability in this local market.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,439 | $36.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $93,199 | $44.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,677 | $58.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $157,026 | $75.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $190,149 | $91.41 |
Median Salary Position
8.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Independence
In Independence, MO, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $113,710 (2026 est.). At $122,677, the local median is 8.56% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Independence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Independence Actuary Pay Compares
Independence median: $122,677/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Independence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $120,154 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $134,160 | -8.56% less |
Actuarys in Independence, MO earn a median of $122,677 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.56% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $120,154.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Independence has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Independence, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $122,677 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,916 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,076
2025 BLS Actual
$118,873
2026 Current Est.
$122,677
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,076 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,527 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,836 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,233 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,729 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,873 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,677 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $126,603 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Independence metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $99,076 (2019) to $118,873 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $126,603 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,527 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Independence 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) | $76,439 – $93,199 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $93,199 – $122,677 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,677 – $157,026 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $157,026 – $190,149 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Independence
The job market for actuaries in Independence comprises around 30 professionals, signaling a small but stable workforce. With a cost of living index of 89.6 indicating affordability compared to the national average, actuaries may find their purchasing power more favorable than in higher-cost cities. Employers like Prudential and MetLife often offer competitive salaries, particularly in life insurance, whereas consulting firms tend to reward candidates with Fellowship status more generously. The disparity in pay levels reflects not only credential advancement—from ASA to FSA—but also specialty focus, where fields like property and casualty consulting often yield higher earnings than life insurance or pension roles. To maximize their earning potential, actuaries should prioritize exam progression and consider opportunities that offer signing bonuses and study time benefits, which can significantly enhance their salary trajectory in Independence, MO.
More salary data for Independence, 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
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 $118,873 for actuariesin the Independence 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 Independence 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