Pierre vs Rapid City: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Pierre, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pierre, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,188 | $106,797▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.69 | $51.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,850 | $64,389▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,389▲ | $79,328 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,960 | $136,700▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,741 | $165,535▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pierre.
The salary gap between Pierre and Rapid City is $7,609 (7.67%). Rapid City's median is -20.40% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pierre spans $93,891,Rapid City spans $101,146. Rapid City 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, Rapid City ($115,083 effective) pays 7.67% more than Pierre ($106,884 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pierre if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,797/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,535)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,083)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Pierre grew 5.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.0% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$91,546 (2024) → $96,112 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$98,569 (2024) → $103,485 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Pierre or Rapid City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pierre and Rapid City?
Should I relocate from Pierre to Rapid City as a actuary?
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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