Cedar Rapids vs Mason City: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Mason City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Mason City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $120,597▲ | $114,823 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.98▲ | $55.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,240 | $72,173▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,906▲ | $87,192 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,364▲ | $146,974 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $186,926▲ | $177,977 |
| Total Employed | 22▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mason City.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Mason City is $5,774 (5.03%). Cedar Rapids's median is -10.11% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $116,686,Mason City spans $105,804. Cedar Rapids has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($133,404 effective) pays 5.03% more than Mason City ($127,017 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($120,597/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($186,926)
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,404)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Mason City if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 8.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Mason City over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$107,869 (2024) → $116,858 (2025)
Mason City, IA
$102,704 (2024) → $111,263 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Mason City, IA
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov