Rapid City vs Watertown: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Rapid City, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rapid City, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,797▲ | $101,514 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.34▲ | $48.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,389 | $65,304▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,328▲ | $77,914 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,700▲ | $129,937 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,535▲ | $157,346 |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Watertown is $5,283 (5.20%). 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 Rapid City spans $101,146,Watertown spans $92,042. Rapid City 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, Rapid City ($115,083 effective) pays 5.20% more than Watertown ($109,390 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Rapid City grew 5.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.0% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$98,569 (2024) → $103,485 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$93,693 (2024) → $98,366 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Rapid City or Watertown?
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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