Senior Actuary Salary in Winona, MN: $194,115 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Winona, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $194,115/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Winona's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $197,071 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
In 2026, top-tier actuary salaries in Winona, Minnesota, reflect significant earning potential with the 90th percentile (P90) reaching $194,115 and the 75th percentile (P75) at $160,302. This represents a substantial opportunity for seasoned professionals. The median annual salary of $125,235 showcases an experience premium, highlighting just how much more senior actuaries can earn as they solidify their expertise and expand their influence within organizations. Achieving these higher salary brackets often requires not only extensive experience of seven years or more but also a focused approach to acquiring advanced credentials such as the ASA or FSA, which can propel professionals into leadership positions and specialized roles that command premium compensation.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winona
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Winona earn between $160,302 and $194,115 per year (2026 est.). This $115,200 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Winona median of $125,235 sits 6.65% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Winona | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $125,235 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $160,302 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $194,115 | $221,983 |
In Winona, 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 Winona
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $125,235 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Winona employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Winona command premium compensation, often reaching the $160,302–$194,115 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Winona metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Winona 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 Winona
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWinona ranks #41 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $194,115).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Winona ($194,115) is 10.54% below the Minnesota average P90 ($216,990).
2019 BLS Actual
$169,295
2025 BLS Actual
$188,096
2026 Current Est.
$194,115
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
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 | $169,295 | Actual |
| 2020 | $171,403 | Actual |
| 2021 | $180,855 | Actual |
| 2022 | $174,280 | Actual |
| 2023 | $183,033 | Actual |
| 2024 | $185,202 | Actual |
| 2025 | $188,096 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $194,115 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $200,327 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Winona saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $169,295 in 2019 to $188,096 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 $200,327 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Actuary Earnings in Winona
Compensation for senior actuaries in Winona varies considerably by industry specialization. Actuaries focusing on life and annuity, health, and enterprise risk management typically find themselves within the top pay ranges, especially when employed by major life insurers like Prudential or MetLife, or health giants such as UnitedHealth and Cigna. Property and casualty insurers like State Farm and Progressive also offer competitive packages, though they may differ significantly from consulting firms like Mercer or WTW that pay a premium for those with well-established credentials, particularly FSAs and FCAS. Furthermore, clear career advancement paths, such as progressing from an actuarial analyst to an ASA and eventually to an FSA, can enhance earning potential substantially. Each exam passed is a stepping stone, often resulting in significant salary increases. Thus, those combining advanced qualifications with specialized skills in predictive analytics or capital modeling can expect to see robust salary growth in this evolving market.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Winona in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Winona?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Winona?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Winona?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in 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
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 $188,096 for actuaries in the Winona 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 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