Davenport vs Mason City: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Davenport, IA and Mason City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Mason City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,545 | $114,823▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.70 | $55.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,993 | $72,173▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,006 | $87,192▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,457▲ | $146,974 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,898▲ | $177,977 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Davenport and Mason City are closely matched on overall actuary compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Davenport and Mason City is $7,278 (6.77%). Mason City's median is -14.41% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $136,905,Mason City spans $105,804. Davenport 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, Mason City ($127,017 effective) pays 5.21% more than Davenport ($120,730 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($199,898)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Mason City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($114,823/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,017)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Davenport grew -6.0% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Mason City over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$110,850 (2022) → $104,210 (2025)
Mason City, IA
$102,704 (2024) → $111,263 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Mason City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Davenport or Mason City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Mason City?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Mason City as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Davenport vs Mason City?
Related Comparisons
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