Actuary Salary in Pierre, SD: $99,188 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Pierre, SD earns a median $99,188/year (≈ $47.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Pierre's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $106,884 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, actuaries can expect a median annual salary of $99,188, which reflects a notable difference when compared to the national median of $134,160 for 2026. The salary range for actuaries in this region extends from $59,850 at the 10th percentile to $153,741 at the 90th percentile, showing a healthy spread that signifies varied opportunities for growth and specialization. These figures derive from BLS state-level data, adjusted for local economic conditions, indicating a market that may appeal more to individuals in the Society of Actuaries (SOA) sphere, specializing in life and health, compared to those in the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) focusing on property and casualty. Pierre's job market, while modest—employing only four actuaries—holds potential for those looking to establish themselves in the field.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,850 | $28.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,389 | $38.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,188 | $47.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $126,960 | $61.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $153,741 | $73.91 |
Median Salary Position
26.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
In Pierre, SD, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $93,891 (2026 est.). At $99,188, the local median is 26.07% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pierre: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pierre Actuary Pay Compares
Pierre median: $99,188/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pierre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $105,519 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -26.07% less |
Actuarys in Pierre, SD earn a median of $99,188 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.07% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $105,519.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pierre has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pierre, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $99,188 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $106,884 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,106
2025 BLS Actual
$96,112
2026 Current Est.
$99,188
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,106 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,087 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,294 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,275 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,719 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,546 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,112 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,188 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,362 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pierre metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $80,106 (2019) to $96,112 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,362 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,256 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $59,850 – $79,389 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,389 – $99,188 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,188 – $126,960 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $126,960 – $153,741 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Pierre
The competitive landscape for actuary pay in Pierre SD is influenced by the local cost of living index, which stands at 92.8, meaning living expenses are relatively lower compared to the national average. This factor can positively impact purchasing power, leading to a better quality of life despite salaries that fall below national norms. Most competitive salaries in Pierre are likely to be found in the health insurance sector, particularly among companies like UnitedHealth and Cigna, along with firms specializing in pension and retirement consulting. The gap between the lower and higher end of the salary spectrum here can be attributed to several elements, including exam progressions, the level of credentials, and specialization within the actuarial field. Therefore, for those aspiring to maximize their actuary salary in Pierre, focusing on passing exams—where each accomplishment can yield significant pay increases—along with targeting positions in consulting firms known for rewarding advanced credentials, presents a strategic approach to career advancement.
More salary data for Pierre, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $96,112 for actuariesin the Pierre metropolitan area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pierre 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