Senior Actuary Salary in Mandan, ND: $159,818 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Mandan, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $159,818/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Mandan's price premium (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $173,715 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
With an eye on growth and opportunity, senior actuaries in Mandan, North Dakota, can anticipate a median annual salary of $103,108 in 2026. The disparities between salary percentiles reveal that seasoned professionals can earn as much as $159,818, significantly elevating the total compensation spectrum. When compared to the national top earners who command salaries averaging approximately $134,160, Mandan’s top actuary salary indicates a noteworthy gap, further emphasizing the unique dynamics of the local market. To achieve this high tier of pay, actuaries generally need a combination of extensive experience—often over seven years—advanced credentials, and specialization in high-demand areas such as enterprise risk management or predictive analytics.
About the Mandan Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($110,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mandan
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Mandan earn between $131,978 and $159,818 per year (2026 est.). This $89,739 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Mandan median of $103,108 sits 23.15% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Mandan | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $103,108 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,978 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $159,818 | $221,983 |
In Mandan, 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 Mandan
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $103,108 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Mandan employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Mandan command premium compensation, often reaching the $131,978–$159,818 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Mandan metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Mandan 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 Mandan
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMandan ranks #8 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $159,818).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Mandan ($159,818) is 6.33% below the North Dakota average P90 ($170,615).
2019 BLS Actual
$139,383
2025 BLS Actual
$154,862
2026 Current Est.
$159,818
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Mandan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $139,383 | Actual |
| 2020 | $141,118 | Actual |
| 2021 | $148,901 | Actual |
| 2022 | $143,487 | Actual |
| 2023 | $150,693 | Actual |
| 2024 | $146,605 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,862 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $159,818 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $164,932 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Mandan saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $139,383 in 2019 to $154,862 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 $164,932 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mandan 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 Mandan
In Mandan, actuaries who focus on specialized fields can expect to see considerable financial rewards, particularly in areas like life and annuity, health insurance, and property & casualty sectors. Senior level compensation in the city varies by employer type, with firms like Prudential and State Farm offering distinct pay packages, influenced by both the type of service and the organization's operational scale. In addition to traditional salaries, leadership pathways such as moving from an actuarial analyst to a chief actuary or consulting practice principal can lead to increased earnings. Advanced credentials—such as the ASA or FSA designations—become crucial for achieving substantial salary increases, as each passed exam can add $3,000 to $8,000 to compensation. Furthermore, consulting firms are noted for their premium compensation for FSAs and FCAS, reinforcing the importance of the actuarial exam progression while differentiating compensation across the sectors in Mandan.
More salary data for Mandan, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Mandan in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Mandan?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Mandan?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Mandan?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Mandan?
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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 $154,862 for actuaries in the Mandan 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 Mandan 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