Senior Actuary Salary in Moorhead, MN: $196,991 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Moorhead, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $196,991/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Moorhead's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $199,991 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

Salaries for experienced actuaries in Moorhead, Minnesota, present a substantial opportunity for those at the pinnacle of their field. In 2026, the median annual salary is projected to be $127,091, but top earners can achieve impressive figures, with the 90th percentile (P90) reaching $196,991 and the 75th percentile (P75) at $161,012. This significant gap between the median and the highest salaries reflects the experience premium associated with advanced actuarial roles. Attaining such top-tier pay requires not only extensive industry knowledge but also specialized expertise and continued success in complex actuarial functions.
For those aiming for senior actuary pay in MN, certain specializations yield higher compensation, including life and annuity, health, property and casualty, and enterprise risk management. Compensation varies greatly depending on the employer type; for instance, actuarial professionals in consulting firms like Mercer or Aon typically command higher salaries compared to those in traditional insurance roles with companies like State Farm or Allstate. Advancement pathways often begin from actuarial analyst positions and can lead to roles such as managing actuary or chief actuary, facilitated by progression through relevant examination milestones. Achieving credentials such as ASA and FSA not only elevates professional standing but also significantly boosts earning potential. With a projected growth rate of 3.20%, Moorhead's actuarial market remains robust, offering advanced practitioners a promising outlook for their careers in the coming years.
About the Moorhead Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moorhead
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Moorhead earn between $161,012 and $196,991 per year (2026 est.). This $113,871 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Moorhead median of $127,091 sits 5.27% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Moorhead | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $127,091 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,012 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $196,991 | $221,983 |
In Moorhead, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Moorhead
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $127,091 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Moorhead employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Moorhead command premium compensation, often reaching the $161,012–$196,991 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Moorhead metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Moorhead 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 Minnesota 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 Moorhead
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMoorhead ranks #36 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $196,991).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Moorhead ($196,991) is 9.22% below the Minnesota average P90 ($216,990).
2019 BLS Actual
$171,804
2025 BLS Actual
$190,883
2026 Current Est.
$196,991
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Moorhead (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $171,804 | Actual |
| 2020 | $173,942 | Actual |
| 2021 | $183,535 | Actual |
| 2022 | $176,862 | Actual |
| 2023 | $185,745 | Actual |
| 2024 | $187,947 | Actual |
| 2025 | $190,883 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $196,991 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $203,295 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Moorhead saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $171,804 in 2019 to $190,883 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 $203,295 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moorhead 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 Moorhead
To further enhance compensation, experienced actuaries can focus on advanced credentialing and specialization, which are critical in distinguishing themselves within the industry. Pursuing fellows’ credentials, including the FSA or FCAS, after an Associate designation—often requiring 10 or more exams—can have a substantial impact on salary. The rigorous ASA-to-FSA progression, lasting five to eight years, emphasizes the value of commitment and expertise in actuarial science. Specialized roles, particularly in predictive analytics and data science, are becoming increasingly lucrative as employers recognize the need for data-driven decision-making. Non-salary compensation strategies, such as study time benefits and signing bonuses for completing exams, are also key factors that enhance the overall financial package for senior actuaries. In Moorhead, understanding the nuances between consulting and insurance sector pay structures helps seasoned professionals maximize their career potential and secure their position among top earners in the field.
More salary data for Moorhead, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Moorhead in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Moorhead?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Moorhead?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Moorhead?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Moorhead?
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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 $190,883 for actuaries in the Moorhead 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 Moorhead 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