Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Yankton, SD: $65,229 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Yankton, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,229 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Yankton's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,290 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,482) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a new graduate entering the actuarial profession in Yankton, SD, can expect a starting actuary salary of around $65,229. This entry-level figure falls significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $101,482, indicating a substantial gap as early career professionals work their way up. Over the first few years, as entry-level actuaries gain experience and potentially pass standardized exams, they may see increases in their compensation. Realistic expectations might see new actuaries reaching approximately $77,849 within the first few years, aligning more closely with the 25th percentile salary and setting them on a trajectory toward the median. In today’s market, Yankton may offer a stable demand for actuaries, especially for those willing to invest in professional development and further their skills.
About the Yankton Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Yankton
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 Yankton
Entry-level actuarys in Yankton, SD typically start between $65,229 and $77,849 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $89,931 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,482 — 24.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in South Dakota of $40,000 represents just 61.32% of the starting actuary pay ($65,229/year) in Yankton. 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 Yankton
- 1Research the Yankton market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $65,229 to $77,849, 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 Yankton, 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 Yankton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Yankton'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 Yankton is $89,931 ( 137.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,229, experienced hygienists can earn up to $155,160.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,177
2025 BLS Actual
$63,206
2026 Current Est.
$65,229
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Yankton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,177 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,118 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,890 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,728 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,640 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,591 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,206 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,229 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,316 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Yankton, SD grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,177 in 2019 to $63,206 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,316. New graduates entering the Yankton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Yankton 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 Yankton
Employers in Yankton actively seek talented new graduates, particularly large life insurers such as Prudential and MetLife, which often have structured recruitment programs for actuarial students. Health insurance firms and consulting companies like Milliman, Mercer, and Aon also provide opportunities, particularly for those who have achieved the ASA credential. Candidates with a strong educational background in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science, alongside progress in actuarial exams, are in a stronger position to negotiate starting pays. Since exam progression significantly impacts salary—averaging an increase of $3,000-$8,000 for each passed exam—it's advantageous for new graduates to prioritize their study efforts. Realistic salary growth in the first 1-3 years could see individuals moving toward mid-level ranges, contributing positively to the local economy while enhancing their professional standing in a competitive field.
More salary data for Yankton, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Yankton in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Yankton?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Yankton?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Yankton?
How do I become a actuary in South Dakota?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
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 Yankton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Yankton 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