Cottage Grove vs St. Paul: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Cottage Grove, MN and St. Paul, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottage Grove, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,424▲ | $128,685 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.70▲ | $61.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,137▲ | $76,950 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,679▲ | $96,019 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,232▲ | $164,718 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $202,157▲ | $199,462 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Cottage Grove, MN offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Paul.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and St. Paul is $1,739 (1.35%). Cottage Grove's median is -2.78% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottage Grove spans $122,020,St. Paul spans $122,512. St. Paul 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, Cottage Grove ($132,410 effective) pays 1.35% more than St. Paul ($130,645 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottage Grove if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,424/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($202,157)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,410)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Cottage Grove grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.9% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$124,435 (2024) → $126,380 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$131,055 (2024) → $124,695 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
St. Paul, MN
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
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