Senior Actuary Salary in Vermillion, SD: $150,925 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Vermillion, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $150,925/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Vermillion's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $162,635 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
The potential for top earners among senior actuaries in Vermillion, South Dakota, is substantial, with the 2026 projected salary reaching as high as $150,925. This figure positions the top-tier salaries in Vermillion significantly below the national top earners, who average $134,160, creating a notable opportunity for those seeking to advance their careers locally. With a median annual salary of $97,513, there exists a pronounced gap between the general experienced actuary salary in Vermillion and the pay seen by top professionals. Achieving such impressive pay typically requires over seven years of experience and could involve obtaining advanced credentials like the ASA or FSA, coupled with a deep understanding of specialized areas such as predictive analytics or capital modeling.
About the Vermillion Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vermillion
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Vermillion earn between $124,816 and $150,925 per year (2026 est.). This $86,588 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Vermillion median of $97,513 sits 27.32% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Vermillion | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $97,513 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,816 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $150,925 | $221,983 |
In Vermillion, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 54.77% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Vermillion
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $97,513 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Vermillion employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Vermillion command premium compensation, often reaching the $124,816–$150,925 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Vermillion metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Vermillion 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 Vermillion
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedVermillion ranks #10 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $150,925).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Vermillion ($150,925) is 5.71% below the South Dakota average P90 ($160,072).
2019 BLS Actual
$131,627
2025 BLS Actual
$146,245
2026 Current Est.
$150,925
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Vermillion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,627 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,266 | Actual |
| 2021 | $140,615 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,503 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,308 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,173 | Actual |
| 2025 | $146,245 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,925 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,754 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Vermillion saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $131,627 in 2019 to $146,245 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 $155,754 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vermillion 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 Vermillion
Specializations in high-demand sectors often drive compensation upward in Vermillion. Actuaries focusing on life and annuity, health, and enterprise risk management can expect their expertise to command premium pay, particularly within life insurance firms like Prudential and MetLife, as well as health care companies such as UnitedHealth and Cigna. Meanwhile, actuaries in consulting roles with firms like Mercer or Aon may also see heightened salaries. Career pathways leading to elevated status often follow the trajectory from actuarial analyst to Associate (ASA) and then to Fellow (FSA), a process that typically spans five to eight years and spurs significant pay raises along the way. Non-salary benefits may also enhance total compensation, as firms frequently incentivize exam passage and professional credential acquisition, reflecting the importance of continuous learning and skills advancement in the field of actuary work in SD.
More salary data for Vermillion, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Vermillion in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Vermillion?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Vermillion?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Vermillion?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Vermillion?
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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 $146,245 for actuaries in the Vermillion 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 Vermillion 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