Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Winona, MN: $78,915 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Winona, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,915 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Winona's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,117 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($125,235) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a starting actuary salary in Winona projected at $78,915 for 2026, new graduates entering this field can expect a competitive entry-level position. This initial pay represents a significant gap from the city's median annual salary of $125,235, which implies a trajectory of growth as one gains experience and potentially earns promotions. The salary range for early-career actuaries is projected to climb to around $95,245 at the 25th percentile and can fluctuate toward the median as professionals progress through the first three to five years of their careers. Given these figures, Winona remains a viable market for recent grads seeking entry into the actuarial profession, especially with the ongoing demand for analytical skills in various sectors.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Winona
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winona
Entry-level actuarys in Winona, MN typically start between $78,915 and $95,245 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $115,200 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $125,235 — 6.65% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Minnesota of $55,000 represents just 69.70% of the starting actuary pay ($78,915/year) in Winona. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover bachelor's degree tuition at public and private universities, plus estimated actuarial exam fees and study materials. Employers often cover exam costs once employed.
ASA, FSA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Winona
- 1Research the Winona market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $78,915 to $95,245, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the actuarial science field — employers in MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Winona, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Winona for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Winona's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Winona is $115,200 ( 145.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,915, experienced hygienists can earn up to $194,115.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,125
2025 BLS Actual
$76,468
2026 Current Est.
$78,915
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,125 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,263 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,568 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,363 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,534 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,468 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,915 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,440 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Winona, MN grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,125 in 2019 to $76,468 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,440. New graduates entering the Winona job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona 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.
Starting Your actuarial science Career in Winona
Employers in Winona actively seek new graduates from actuarial programs, particularly large life insurance companies like Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual. These firms often provide structured training and exam study resources, essential for enhancing one's educational credentials. Health insurance companies and consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer also recruit entry-level talent, often with higher starting salaries for those with Associate of Society of Actuaries (ASA) credentials. Pursuing additional credentials, such as passing actuarial exams or acquiring VEE credits in economics, accounting, and mathematics, can significantly boost starting salaries in Minnesota. With each passed exam, base pay can increase by $3,000 to $8,000. Therefore, strategically focusing on these exams and accumulating relevant credentials will help new professionals enhance their overall earning potential, especially in their first three years in the industry.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Winona in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Winona?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Winona?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Winona?
How do I become a actuary in Minnesota?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new actuarial science graduates. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Winona. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Winona 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