Senior Actuary Salary in Pierre, SD: $153,741 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Pierre, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $153,741/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Pierre's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $165,669 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
Pierre, South Dakota offers a promising landscape for seasoned actuaries, with a projected median annual salary of $99,188 in 2026. The earning potential is significantly broader at the top tier, attracting seasoned professionals aiming for compensation that ranges from the 75th percentile of $126,960 to the 90th percentile, reaching as high as $153,741. While this top actuary salary in Pierre is notably lower than the national median of $134,160, the experience premium is evident in the gap between the median salary and that of top earners. Achieving such high compensation typically requires more than extensive experience; it necessitates specialized credentials such as ASA or FSA and solid performance in advanced actuarial exams.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Pierre earn between $126,960 and $153,741 per year (2026 est.). This $93,891 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pierre median of $99,188 sits 26.07% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Pierre | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $99,188 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,960 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $153,741 | $221,983 |
In Pierre, 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 Pierre
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $99,188 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pierre employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Pierre command premium compensation, often reaching the $126,960–$153,741 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pierre metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Pierre 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 Pierre
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPierre ranks #8 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $153,741).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Pierre ($153,741) is 3.96% below the South Dakota average P90 ($160,072).
2019 BLS Actual
$134,084
2025 BLS Actual
$148,974
2026 Current Est.
$153,741
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $134,084 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,753 | Actual |
| 2021 | $143,239 | Actual |
| 2022 | $138,031 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,964 | Actual |
| 2024 | $141,896 | Actual |
| 2025 | $148,974 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $153,741 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $158,661 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Pierre saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $134,084 in 2019 to $148,974 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 $158,661 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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 Pierre
Senior actuaries in Pierre command higher salaries by working within specialized areas like life and annuity, health, or property and casualty (P&C) insurance. Employers, including major players like Prudential and UnitedHealth, often offer varying compensation levels based on the specific risk areas. Consulting firms like Mercer and Milliman typically provide premium pay, particularly for FSAs or FCAS, compared to traditional insurer roles. The career progression can lead from actuarial analyst to chief actuary, emphasizing the value of accumulating credentials over time. Experienced actuaries benefit from compensation strategies that reward exam progression—each completed exam can boost base salaries substantially. Enhancing technical proficiencies, especially in predictive analytics, is increasingly seen as a pathway to higher salaries and positions of authority in an evolving industry.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Pierre in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Pierre?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Pierre?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Pierre?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Pierre?
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 $148,974 for actuaries in the Pierre 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 Pierre 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