Des Moines vs Cedar Rapids: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Des Moines, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,717▲ | $120,597 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.77▲ | $57.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,603▲ | $70,240 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,870▲ | $87,906 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,207▲ | $154,364 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,031 | $186,926▲ |
| Total Employed | 400▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Cedar Rapids is $14,120 (11.71%). Des Moines's median is +0.42% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $94,428,Cedar Rapids spans $116,686. Cedar Rapids has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($146,909 effective) pays 10.12% more than Cedar Rapids ($133,404 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,717/year)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,909)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($186,926)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Des Moines grew 32.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Cedar Rapids over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$98,750 (2019) → $130,540 (2025)
Cedar Rapids, IA
$107,869 (2024) → $116,858 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Des Moines or Cedar Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Cedar Rapids?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Des Moines vs Cedar Rapids?
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