Senior Actuary Salary in Dickinson, ND: $167,202 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Dickinson, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $167,202/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Dickinson's price premium (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $181,741 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 Dickinson, North Dakota, the lucrative potential for experienced actuaries is evident, particularly among top earners. In 2026, the projected annual salary for the high-end professionals in this field reaches as much as $167,202, with those at the 75th percentile earning around $136,366. The gap between the median annual salary of $107,872 and the compensation for top earners highlights the experience premium that professionals can achieve after seven or more years in the industry. This significant difference underscores the importance of skill development and specialization, which not only enhances an actuary's expertise but also positions them favorably in a competitive job market. Experienced actuaries seeking to tap into these upper salary brackets in Dickinson should focus on refining their technical abilities and pursuing advanced credentials that are vital for ascension within the field.
About the Dickinson Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($110,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dickinson
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Dickinson earn between $136,366 and $167,202 per year (2026 est.). This $102,715 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Dickinson median of $107,872 sits 19.59% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Dickinson | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $107,872 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,366 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $167,202 | $221,983 |
In Dickinson, 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 Dickinson
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $107,872 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Dickinson employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Dickinson command premium compensation, often reaching the $136,366–$167,202 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Dickinson metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Dickinson 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 North Dakota 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 Dickinson
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDickinson ranks #6 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $167,202).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Dickinson ($167,202) is 2% below the North Dakota average P90 ($170,615).
2019 BLS Actual
$145,823
2025 BLS Actual
$162,017
2026 Current Est.
$167,202
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Dickinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $145,823 | Actual |
| 2020 | $147,638 | Actual |
| 2021 | $155,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $150,116 | Actual |
| 2023 | $157,656 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,377 | Actual |
| 2025 | $162,017 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $167,202 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $172,552 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Dickinson saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $145,823 in 2019 to $162,017 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 $172,552 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dickinson 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 Dickinson
Compensation for senior-level actuaries in Dickinson varies significantly based on specialization and employer type. Areas such as life and annuity, enterprise risk management (ERM), and predictive analytics are particularly lucrative, often commanding higher salaries compared to traditional roles within health or pension sectors. Additionally, those employed by consulting firms like Mercer and Aon typically earn more than peers in life insurance companies such as Prudential or MetLife, illustrating the disparity that exists within this market. Advancement paths for seasoned actuaries often lead from positions like actuarial analyst to associate (ASA), and eventually to fellow (FSA/FCAS), with each rung requiring successful completion of rigorous exams. The ASA-to-FSA timeline, which may take five to eight years, is critical for actuaries aspiring to have a commanding presence in the industry. Moreover, non-salary compensation, such as bonuses tied to exam completion and study support, plays a substantial role in driving overall earnings, reinforcing the need for continuous professional growth and credential attainment among senior actuary pay ND professionals.
More salary data for Dickinson, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Dickinson?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Dickinson?
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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 $162,017 for actuaries in the Dickinson 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 Dickinson 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