Cottage Grove vs St. Cloud: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Cottage Grove, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottage Grove, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,424 | $131,176▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.70 | $63.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,137▲ | $76,082 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,679 | $102,298▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,232 | $167,906▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $202,157 | $203,324▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 12▲ |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cottage Grove.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and St. Cloud is $752 (0.58%). St. Cloud's median is -2.22% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottage Grove spans $122,020,St. Cloud spans $127,242. St. Cloud has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Cloud ($133,174 effective) pays 0.58% more than Cottage Grove ($132,410 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottage Grove if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,176/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,324)
- ✓Larger job market (12 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,174)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Cottage Grove grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$124,435 (2024) → $126,380 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$125,154 (2024) → $127,109 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Cottage Grove or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottage Grove and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Cottage Grove to St. Cloud as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Cottage Grove vs St. Cloud?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov