Sioux Falls vs Watertown: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Sioux Falls, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sioux Falls, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,753▲ | $101,514 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.32▲ | $48.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,534 | $65,304▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,924▲ | $77,914 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,644▲ | $129,937 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,468▲ | $157,346 |
| Total Employed | 36▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Sioux Falls and Watertown is $5,239 (5.16%). Sioux Falls's median is -20.43% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sioux Falls spans $100,934,Watertown spans $92,042. Sioux Falls 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, Sioux Falls ($115,036 effective) pays 5.16% 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 Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,753/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,468)
- ✓Larger job market (36 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,036)
- ✓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 Sioux Falls grew -4.9% from 2023 to 2025, compared to 5.0% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Sioux Falls, SD
$108,790 (2023) → $103,443 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$93,693 (2024) → $98,366 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sioux Falls, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Sioux Falls or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sioux Falls and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Sioux Falls to Watertown 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