Prior Lake vs Rochester: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Prior Lake, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Prior Lake, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,336 | $133,026▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.18 | $63.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,523 | $83,822▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $95,527 | $101,770▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $163,648 | $170,273▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $200,471 | $206,191▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 29▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Prior Lake.
The salary gap between Prior Lake and Rochester is $3,690 (2.85%). Rochester's median is -0.85% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Prior Lake spans $122,948,Rochester spans $122,369. Prior Lake has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($135,052 effective) pays 2.85% more than Prior Lake ($131,306 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Prior Lake if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,026/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($206,191)
- ✓Larger job market (29 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,052)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Prior Lake grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Prior Lake, MN
$123,398 (2024) → $125,326 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$126,918 (2024) → $128,901 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Prior Lake, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Prior Lake or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Prior Lake and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Prior Lake to Rochester as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Prior Lake vs Rochester?
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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