Actuary Pay

Senior Actuary Salary in Moorhead, MN: $196,991 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Moorhead, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $196,991/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Moorhead's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $199,991 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$196,991
Top 10% Earn
$94.71/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$161,012
75th Percentile
$196,991
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Actuary Senior Salary in Moorhead, MN — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Moorhead, MN actuary senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Salaries for experienced actuaries in Moorhead, Minnesota, present a substantial opportunity for those at the pinnacle of their field. In 2026, the median annual salary is projected to be $127,091, but top earners can achieve impressive figures, with the 90th percentile (P90) reaching $196,991 and the 75th percentile (P75) at $161,012. This significant gap between the median and the highest salaries reflects the experience premium associated with advanced actuarial roles. Attaining such top-tier pay requires not only extensive industry knowledge but also specialized expertise and continued success in complex actuarial functions.

For those aiming for senior actuary pay in MN, certain specializations yield higher compensation, including life and annuity, health, property and casualty, and enterprise risk management. Compensation varies greatly depending on the employer type; for instance, actuarial professionals in consulting firms like Mercer or Aon typically command higher salaries compared to those in traditional insurance roles with companies like State Farm or Allstate. Advancement pathways often begin from actuarial analyst positions and can lead to roles such as managing actuary or chief actuary, facilitated by progression through relevant examination milestones. Achieving credentials such as ASA and FSA not only elevates professional standing but also significantly boosts earning potential. With a projected growth rate of 3.20%, Moorhead's actuarial market remains robust, offering advanced practitioners a promising outlook for their careers in the coming years.

About the Moorhead Market

Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moorhead

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for actuarys in Moorhead. The median salary is $127,091, compared to the national median of $134,160.$74.8K$107.8K$140.8K$173.8K$206.8K$83.1K10th Pctl$98.9K25th Pctl$127.1KMedian$161.0K75th Pctl$197.0K90th PctlUS Median$134.2K

Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Moorhead earn between $161,012 and $196,991 per year (2026 est.). This $113,871 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Moorhead median of $127,091 sits 5.27% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of actuary pay in the Moorhead metro area.

Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison

LevelMoorheadNational
Median (P50)$127,091$134,160
75th Percentile$161,012$176,111
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$196,991$221,983

In Moorhead, 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 Moorhead

1

Advanced Certifications in Minnesota

MN actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $127,091 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Moorhead employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Moorhead command premium compensation, often reaching the $161,012–$196,991 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Moorhead metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured actuaries in Moorhead with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

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 Moorhead

Clinical Actuary

0-5 years
$83,120 – $127,091

Senior/Lead Actuary

5-10 years
$127,091 – $161,012

Actuary Department Manager

10+ years
$161,012+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Moorhead ranks #36 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $196,991).

Top 10% actuary compensation in Moorhead ($196,991) is 9.22% below the Minnesota average P90 ($216,990).

2019 BLS Actual

$171,804

2025 BLS Actual

$190,883

2026 Current Est.

$196,991

2019–2027 Growth

+18.3%

Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Moorhead (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for actuaries in Moorhead. Baseline $171,804 in 2025, projected to $203,295 by 2027.$165.5K$176.5K$187.5K$198.6K$209.6K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$171.8K$173.9K$183.5K$176.9K$185.7K$187.9K$190.9K$197.0K$203.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$171,804Actual
2020$173,942Actual
2021$183,535Actual
2022$176,862Actual
2023$185,745Actual
2024$187,947Actual
2025$190,883Actual
2026(current)$196,991Estimated
2027$203,295Projected

Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Moorhead saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $171,804 in 2019 to $190,883 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 $203,295 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moorhead metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Moorhead

To further enhance compensation, experienced actuaries can focus on advanced credentialing and specialization, which are critical in distinguishing themselves within the industry. Pursuing fellows’ credentials, including the FSA or FCAS, after an Associate designation—often requiring 10 or more exams—can have a substantial impact on salary. The rigorous ASA-to-FSA progression, lasting five to eight years, emphasizes the value of commitment and expertise in actuarial science. Specialized roles, particularly in predictive analytics and data science, are becoming increasingly lucrative as employers recognize the need for data-driven decision-making. Non-salary compensation strategies, such as study time benefits and signing bonuses for completing exams, are also key factors that enhance the overall financial package for senior actuaries. In Moorhead, understanding the nuances between consulting and insurance sector pay structures helps seasoned professionals maximize their career potential and secure their position among top earners in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced actuaries make in Moorhead in 2026?

Top-earning actuaries in Moorhead (90th percentile) make $196,991/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.20% annual growth). This is $69,900 more than the area median of $127,091 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior actuaries typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher actuary pay in Moorhead?

Higher actuary pay in Moorhead is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost actuary salary in Moorhead?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for actuaries in Moorhead include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $127,091, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Moorhead?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Moorhead is $196,991, well above $100K. Actuaries with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does actuary salary increase over time in Moorhead?

In Moorhead, the gap between entry level ($83,120) and top earners ($196,991) is $113,871, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

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MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Patel, ASA, MAAAData verified by Aisha Khan, FSA, CERA

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 $190,883 for actuaries in the Moorhead 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 Moorhead is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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