Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Huron, SD: $63,985 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Huron, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,985 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Huron's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,949 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,362) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the actuarial field in Huron, South Dakota, can expect an entry-level actuary salary around $63,985, which is considerably lower than the city’s median salary of $97,362. This initial compensation reflects the beginning of a promising career trajectory; with time and further qualifications, there is potential to reach around $75,711 as entry-level professionals gain experience and additional skills. The growth outlook, projected at an annual rate of 3.20%, suggests that many entry-level actuaries can effectively bridge the gap between their starting salary and the median over the first few years as they progress through the necessary exams and gain practical experience. Huron presents a reasonable market for new actuarial graduates, offering opportunities for career advancement in a supportive environment.
About the Huron Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Huron
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 Huron
Entry-level actuarys in Huron, SD typically start between $63,985 and $75,711 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $86,428 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,362 — 27.43% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in South Dakota of $40,000 represents just 62.51% of the starting actuary pay ($63,985/year) in Huron. 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 Huron
- 1Research the Huron market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $63,985 to $75,711, 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 SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Huron, 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 Huron for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Huron's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Huron is $86,428 ( 135.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,985, experienced hygienists can earn up to $150,413.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,182
2025 BLS Actual
$62,001
2026 Current Est.
$63,985
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Huron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,182 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,105 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,920 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,627 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,484 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,468 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,001 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,985 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,033 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Huron, SD grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,182 in 2019 to $62,001 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,033. New graduates entering the Huron job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huron 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 Huron
Employers in Huron that typically hire new actuarial graduates include large life insurers such as Prudential and MetLife, who often recruit talent through campus programs. Health insurance companies also seek entry-level actuaries, while consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer are known for their structured pathways for career development. For recent graduates, holding a bachelor’s degree in fields like mathematics or finance is crucial, as is passing the Society of Actuaries (SOA) exams to enhance earning potential. Additionally, acquiring Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) credits can further distinguish candidates in a competitive market. As new actuaries progress through the exam process, each passed exam typically ushers in a salary increase of $3,000 to $8,000, underscoring the importance of credentials in this field. Entry-level actuaries can expect a realistic growth in pay as they navigate the first three years in South Dakota, especially if they focus on skill development in predictive analytics and data science, both of which are becoming increasingly vital to success in the profession.
More salary data for Huron, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 Huron. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Huron 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