Davenport vs Waterloo: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Davenport, IA and Waterloo, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,545 | $118,036▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.70 | $56.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,993 | $73,296▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,006 | $89,274▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,457▲ | $151,086 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,898▲ | $182,956 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Davenport and Waterloo are closely matched on overall actuary compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Davenport and Waterloo is $10,491 (9.75%). Waterloo's median is -12.02% 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,Waterloo spans $109,660. 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, Waterloo ($130,571 effective) pays 8.15% 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 Waterloo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,036/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,571)
- ✓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 Waterloo over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$110,850 (2022) → $104,210 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$105,578 (2024) → $114,376 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Davenport or Waterloo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Waterloo?
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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