Actuary Hourly Pay in Brookings, SD: $46.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a actuary working in Brookings, SD runs $46.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,536 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Weighted against Brookings's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,524 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Brookings, South Dakota, the actuary hourly pay stands at $46.89, a figure significantly lower than the national hourly median of $64.50. This rate highlights the financial landscape for part-time actuaries considering work arrangements of three days per week, where earnings can be calculated at approximately $28,232 annually, based on a 24-hour workweek. The hourly range for actuaries in Brookings accordingly stretches from $30.96 for entry-level positions up to $72.60 for experienced professionals. Given the city’s focus on insurance companies, consulting firms, and pension management offices, those in the actuarial field may find flexible work options, such as remote modeling or periodic consulting, attractive. The estimates of hourly rates are drawn from annual salary data, providing insight into the compensation trends specific to this profession in this region.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Actuary Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.96 | $247.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.56 | $292.51 |
| Median (P50) | $46.89 | $375.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.67 | $477.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.60 | $580.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brookings
Based on $46.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.89/hr, a actuary working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brookings, SD can expect to earn approximately $97,540 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,273. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Brookings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brookings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,875.76 | $8,128 | $97,540 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,125.46 | $4,877 | $58,524 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $750.31 | $3,251 | $39,016 |
Compare ASA, FSA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Actuary (Brookings) | $46.89 |
| Statistician (National Avg) | $51.53 |
| Mathematician (National Avg) | $56.16 |
| Financial Analyst (National Avg) | $47.61 |
| Data Scientist (National Avg) | $54.40 |
Actuarys in Brookings, SD earn a median of $97,536 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.30% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 7.60% below the South Dakota state average of $105,559.
Actuary Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.89/hr = $58,524/year (purchasing power: $63,064).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,540/year (purchasing power: $105,107).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Actuaries in Brookings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for actuaries in Brookings grew 20.0% from $37.87/hr (2019) to $45.44/hr (2025). At a 3.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.39/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem actuaries can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookings 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.
Working as an Hourly Actuary in Brookings
Exploring part-time potential, actuaries in Brookings can create a steady income while striking a balance between work and personal life. Beyond traditional employment, per-diem or consulting engagements can present lucrative opportunities, particularly for those advancing in their careers. Engagements that target FSA or FCAS credential holders can bill anywhere from $250 to $500 per hour, while roles as expert witnesses in insurance or pension litigation may command rates reaching $400 to $800 per hour. Additionally, the type of employer significantly affects hourly compensation; while life insurance giants and health managed care organizations may offer lower rates, they often come with benefits that many find desirable. Factors such as company reputation and job stability play into an actuary's decision-making regarding pay, particularly when negotiating hourly rates. For those based in Brookings, understanding these dynamics can empower negotiations, aligning hourly earnings with professional goals.
More salary data for Brookings, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for actuaries in Brookings. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookings 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