Senior Actuary Salary in Duluth, MN: $206,569 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Duluth, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $206,569/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Duluth's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $209,715 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Duluth, Minnesota, the trajectory for experienced actuaries is quite promising, especially for those at the top of their game. The projected median annual salary for senior-level actuaries in 2026 is $133,270, a figure reflecting the robust demand for expertise in this field. However, the potential for earnings significantly escalates for top earners, with salaries reaching as high as $206,569, where career advancement and specialization intersect. This striking contrast between the median salary and the top-tier compensation highlights that to achieve such heights requires not only experience but also strategic positioning within the profession. Senior actuaries who have invested time in in-depth specialization or taken on significant leadership roles are uniquely positioned to access these high paying opportunities in Duluth.
About the Duluth Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Duluth
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Duluth earn between $170,587 and $206,569 per year (2026 est.). This $129,272 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Duluth median of $133,270 sits 0.66% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Duluth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $133,270 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,587 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $206,569 | $221,983 |
In Duluth, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Duluth
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $133,270 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Duluth employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Duluth command premium compensation, often reaching the $170,587–$206,569 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Duluth metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Duluth with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Actuaries in Minnesota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Actuary Career & Wage Growth Path in Duluth
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDuluth ranks #5 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $206,569).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Duluth ($206,569) is 4.8% below the Minnesota average P90 ($216,990).
2019 BLS Actual
$180,157
2025 BLS Actual
$200,164
2026 Current Est.
$206,569
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Duluth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $180,157 | Actual |
| 2020 | $182,400 | Actual |
| 2021 | $192,459 | Actual |
| 2022 | $185,461 | Actual |
| 2023 | $194,776 | Actual |
| 2024 | $197,084 | Actual |
| 2025 | $200,164 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $206,569 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $213,179 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Duluth saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $180,157 in 2019 to $200,164 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.20% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $213,179 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Duluth 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.
Maximizing Your Actuary Earnings in Duluth
When it comes to the factors affecting compensation for actuaries in Duluth, specialization plays a critical role. Actuaries working in life and annuity, health insurance, and enterprise risk management often command higher salaries, reflecting their specific skills that are in demand among top employers such as UnitedHealth and Prudential. Compensation structures can vary widely based on the type of employer, with consulting firms generally offering more lucrative packages compared to traditional insurance companies. Moreover, advancement paths are clear, typically progressing from actuarial analyst roles to ASA and eventually to FSA or FCAS credentials, with each milestone yielding significant pay increases. Non-salary benefits, such as study time compensation and signing bonuses for newly credentialed actuaries, further entice high performers to pursue continued education and specialize, driving their compensation even higher in Duluth, MN.
More salary data for Duluth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Duluth in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Duluth?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Duluth?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Duluth?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Duluth?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $200,164 for actuaries in the Duluth metro area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Duluth 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