Minneapolis vs Winona: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Minneapolis, MN and Winona, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Winona, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,991▲ | $125,235 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.50▲ | $60.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,889▲ | $78,915 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,514▲ | $95,245 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,559▲ | $160,302 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $225,079▲ | $194,115 |
| Total Employed | 1,020▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Winona.
The salary gap between Minneapolis and Winona is $4,756 (3.80%). Minneapolis's median is -3.11% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $143,190,Winona spans $115,200. Minneapolis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Winona ($127,142 effective) pays 2.52% more than Minneapolis ($124,011 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,991/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($225,079)
- ✓Larger job market (1,020 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Winona if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,142)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Minneapolis grew 26.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in Winona over the same period.
Minneapolis, MN
$99,800 (2019) → $125,960 (2025)
Winona, MN
$119,485 (2024) → $121,352 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minneapolis, MN
Winona, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Minneapolis or Winona?
What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Winona?
Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Winona as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Minneapolis vs Winona?
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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