Business & Finance Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Actuary Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median actuary salary in Brookings, SD is $98,031 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$98,031
vs State Avg
$-2,280
vs National
$-15,959
Cost of Living
86%

Actuary Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median actuary salary of $98,031, which is $2,280 below the South Dakota state average of $100,311. Compared to the national median of $113,990, Brookings pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Brookings's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $98,031 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,990 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for actuarys seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for actuarys in Brookings spans from $58,824 at the 10th percentile to $168,569 at the 90th percentile — a $109,745 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,200, while senior actuarys with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $150,500. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Actuary Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level actuary earns around $60,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $150,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,200
$-9,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,900
$-16,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$150,500
$-24,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $58,824
25th Percentile $74,992
Median (50th) $98,031
75th Percentile $129,860
90th Percentile $168,569

Actuary Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Actuary in Brookings

Education

Most actuary positions require a bachelor's degree. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Statistical ModelingRisk AssessmentFinancial MathematicsExcel/VBASQLActuarial Exams

Job Outlook

Nationally, actuary employment is projected to grow 21% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Actuary Jobs in Brookings

Browse open actuary positions in Brookings, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Actuary Salary in Brookings

How much does a Actuary make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median actuary salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $98,031 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $113,990. Salaries range from $58,824 (10th percentile) to $168,569 (90th percentile).
How much does a Actuary make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $98,031, a actuary in Brookings earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for actuary pay? ▼
Brookings's median actuary salary of $98,031 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $100,311. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Brookings, SD? ▼
Brookings has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a actuary salary of $98,031 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a actuary in Brookings? ▼
Most actuary positions in Brookings require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Statistical Modeling, Risk Assessment, Financial Mathematics, Excel/VBA. The job market is projected to grow 21% nationally over the next decade.