Senior Actuary Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $171,962 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Grand Forks, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $171,962/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Grand Forks's price premium (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $186,915 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 Grand Forks, ND, senior actuaries aiming for top-tier salary potential can expect to earn significantly higher than the median compensation of $110,943 in 2026. With the possibility of reaching a P90 salary of $171,962, experienced professionals have ample opportunity to capitalize on the market dynamics in the region. This upper echelon of pay highlights a notable gap between typical earnings and elite compensation, driven by expertise, advanced credentials, and the ability to handle complex actuarial tasks. Achieving this level requires not only extensive experience but also often necessitates specialization in high-demand areas like predictive analytics or enterprise risk management. The competitive landscape in Grand Forks presents rich avenues for actuaries looking to solidify their place among top earners through strategic career moves.
About the Grand Forks Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($110,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Grand Forks
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Grand Forks earn between $142,007 and $171,962 per year (2026 est.). This $106,592 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Grand Forks median of $110,943 sits 17.31% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Grand Forks | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $110,943 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,007 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $171,962 | $221,983 |
In Grand Forks, 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 Grand Forks
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $110,943 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Grand Forks employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Grand Forks command premium compensation, often reaching the $142,007–$171,962 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Grand Forks metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGrand Forks ranks #2 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $171,962).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Grand Forks ($171,962) is 0.79% above the North Dakota average P90 ($170,615).
2019 BLS Actual
$149,975
2025 BLS Actual
$166,630
2026 Current Est.
$171,962
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $149,975 | Actual |
| 2020 | $151,842 | Actual |
| 2021 | $160,216 | Actual |
| 2022 | $154,390 | Actual |
| 2023 | $162,145 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,745 | Actual |
| 2025 | $166,630 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $171,962 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $177,465 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Grand Forks saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $149,975 in 2019 to $166,630 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 $177,465 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks
Compensation for senior actuaries frequently varies based on specialization and the type of employer in Grand Forks. For instance, professionals in life and annuity or health sectors may command greater salaries than those in property and casualty insurance. Consulting firms like Mercer and Aon typically offer higher compensation packages compared to traditional insurance companies, reflecting a premium for advanced credentials such as FSA or FCAS. Furthermore, the actuarial career path often involves progression through various designations, where attaining an ASA can boost initial pay, while reaching FSA status is associated with substantial salary increases. Additional factors influencing compensation include passing actuarial exams—where each successful attempt typically adds $3,000 to $8,000 to base pay—and advanced knowledge of niche areas such as reinsurance pricing or capital modeling. Non-salary benefits, including bonuses for completed exams and valuable study time support, also play a critical role in shaping the overall compensation package for actuaries at this level.
More salary data for Grand Forks, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Grand Forks in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Grand Forks?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Grand Forks?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Grand Forks?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Grand Forks?
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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 $166,630 for actuaries in the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks 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