Senior Actuary Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $155,511 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Aberdeen, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $155,511/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Aberdeen's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $167,577 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 2026, actuaries in Aberdeen, South Dakota, hold promising earning potential, particularly at senior levels. With a median annual salary projected at $100,330, experienced actuaries can reach lucrative heights, as demonstrated by the 90th percentile earning $155,511. This competitive top-tier pay reflects a significant experience premium, highlighting the vast earning gap between median salaries and those achieved by top performers. To reach such heights, actuaries not only need extensive experience—seven or more years—but also specialized skills that align with the needs of employers, showcasing the importance of credentials like the ASA and FSA. As market dynamics continue to evolve, those who invest in advanced education and continuous professional development will find the pathway to higher salaries more accessible.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aberdeen
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Aberdeen earn between $128,422 and $155,511 per year (2026 est.). This $91,840 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Aberdeen median of $100,330 sits 25.22% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Aberdeen | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $100,330 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,422 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $155,511 | $221,983 |
In Aberdeen, 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 Aberdeen
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $100,330 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Aberdeen employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Aberdeen command premium compensation, often reaching the $128,422–$155,511 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Aberdeen metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Aberdeen 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 South 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 Aberdeen
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAberdeen ranks #4 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $155,511).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Aberdeen ($155,511) is 2.85% below the South Dakota average P90 ($160,072).
2019 BLS Actual
$135,627
2025 BLS Actual
$150,689
2026 Current Est.
$155,511
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $135,627 | Actual |
| 2020 | $137,315 | Actual |
| 2021 | $144,888 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,620 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,633 | Actual |
| 2024 | $143,530 | Actual |
| 2025 | $150,689 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,511 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,487 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Aberdeen saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $135,627 in 2019 to $150,689 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 $160,487 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen
Specializations within the actuarial field significantly influence compensation levels in Aberdeen, particularly for seasoned professionals. Actuaries versed in life and annuity, health insurance, property and casualty (P&C), and enterprise risk management (ERM) typically command higher salaries due to the demand for their expertise. Employers range widely, from life insurance giants like Prudential and MetLife to consulting firms such as Mercer and Aon, each having unique pay structures for senior actuaries. At this elevated level, leadership roles often become attainable, taking professionals from actuarial analyst positions to chief actuary or principal in consulting practices. Achieving the Fellowship status can greatly impact earning potential. More advanced credentials, such as FSA and FCAS, paired with in-depth knowledge in predictive analytics and capital modeling, position actuaries favorably in the job market. Given Aberdeen's cost of living index of 92.8, understanding the compensation differences across sectors—coupled with the rigorous exam paths—enables experienced actuaries to strategically navigate their careers toward optimal rewards.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Aberdeen in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Aberdeen?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Aberdeen?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Aberdeen?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Aberdeen?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
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 $150,689 for actuaries in the Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen 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