Actuary Salary in La Crosse, WI: $121,120 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in La Crosse, WI earns a median $121,120/year (≈ $58.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in La Crosse's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $129,679 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, actuaries in La Crosse, Wisconsin, are projected to earn a median salary of $121,120, reflecting a significant local salary structure that contrasts with national averages. Within the broader salary range, entry-level positions may start around $73,412, while seasoned professionals at the top of their field can command around $187,735. These figures highlight the pay gradient that actuaries experience, particularly when comparing work in consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer against traditional insurance companies. The data presented here are estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost considerations, underscoring the competitive yet slightly lower remuneration for actuaries in La Crosse compared to national benchmarks.
About the La Crosse Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,412 | $35.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,978 | $42.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $121,120 | $58.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $155,033 | $74.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,735 | $90.26 |
Median Salary Position
9.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in La Crosse
In La Crosse, WI, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,323 (2026 est.). At $121,120, the local median is 9.72% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in La Crosse: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How La Crosse Actuary Pay Compares
La Crosse median: $121,120/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | La Crosse Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $125,253 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -9.72% less |
Actuarys in La Crosse, WI earn a median of $121,120 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.72% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 3.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $125,253.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
La Crosse has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
La Crosse, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $121,120 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $129,679 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,818
2025 BLS Actual
$117,364
2026 Current Est.
$121,120
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in La Crosse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,818 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,238 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,607 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,336 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,142 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,364 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $121,120 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,995 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the La Crosse metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $97,818 (2019) to $117,364 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $124,995 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,177 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the La Crosse 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) | $73,412 – $87,978 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,978 – $121,120 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $121,120 – $155,033 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $155,033 – $187,735 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in La Crosse
Looking at the local job market, only eight actuaries are currently employed in La Crosse, indicating a niche but specialized environment for these professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 93.4, La Crosse offers a more affordable lifestyle, potentially enhancing the purchasing power of actuary salaries in comparison to larger metropolitan areas. Life insurance companies such as Prudential and Northwestern Mutual, along with consulting firms like Aon and WTW, are among the top payers for actuaries in the region, reflecting the mixed demands of the local market. The disparity in salaries is driven by factors such as exam progress (where each passed exam usually adds $3,000 to $8,000 to base compensation), the transition from ASA to FSA credentials, and market specialty, with consulting and property & casualty reinsurance often offering the highest returns. To maximize earnings in this market, aspiring actuaries should prioritize advanced certifications and consider positions in higher-paying sectors like consulting, where analytical skills become increasingly valuable.
More salary data for La Crosse, WI:
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 $117,364 for actuariesin the La Crosse 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 La Crosse 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