Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $63,671 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Aberdeen, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,671 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Aberdeen's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,611 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,330) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the actuarial field in Aberdeen, South Dakota, the entry-level actuary salary is projected at approximately $63,671 in 2026. This figure represents a notable starting point, especially when compared to the city's median annual salary of $100,330. Early-career professionals can expect a predictable salary growth trajectory, moving from the entry-level pay to around $76,636 after gaining some experience, bringing them closer to the overall median within three to five years. Given these figures, newly minted actuarial graduates may find Aberdeen to be a favorable market, particularly if they are motivated and prepared to advance their skills and certifications, which can significantly impact future earning potential.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Aberdeen
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aberdeen
Entry-level actuarys in Aberdeen, SD typically start between $63,671 and $76,636 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $91,840 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,330 — 25.22% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in South Dakota of $40,000 represents just 62.82% of the starting actuary pay ($63,671/year) in Aberdeen. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover bachelor's degree tuition at public and private universities, plus estimated actuarial exam fees and study materials. Employers often cover exam costs once employed.
ASA, FSA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Aberdeen
- 1Research the Aberdeen market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $63,671 to $76,636, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the actuarial science field — employers in SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Aberdeen, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Aberdeen for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Aberdeen's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Aberdeen is $91,840 ( 144.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,671, experienced hygienists can earn up to $155,511.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,931
2025 BLS Actual
$61,697
2026 Current Est.
$63,671
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,931 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,850 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,675 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,349 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,192 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,179 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,697 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,671 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,709 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Aberdeen, SD grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,931 in 2019 to $61,697 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,709. New graduates entering the Aberdeen job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aberdeen metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your actuarial science Career in Aberdeen
Employers across Aberdeen include major life and health insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife, as well as consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer, which actively recruit entry-level actuaries. These organizations often facilitate pathways for new grads by offering structured support for exam preparation, enabling employees to complete the necessary actuarial exams while working. Holding a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science is essential, and passing the initial exams from the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) can add about $3,000 to $8,000 to one’s base salary for each exam passed. For those who progress to obtaining ASA or ACAS designations, typically achievable within four to five years of diligent effort, the financial benefits become increasingly pronounced. Realistically, entry-level actuaries can expect growth in their salaries over the first few years, particularly as they work towards obtaining higher credentials, with many firms in the area recognizing the value of candidates who bring predictive analytics and data science skills to the team.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new actuarial science graduates. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Aberdeen. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aberdeen is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for actuarys (SOC 15-2011).
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov