Des Moines vs Iowa City: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Des Moines, IA and Iowa City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,717▲ | $120,794 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.77▲ | $58.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,603▲ | $70,060 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,870▲ | $87,440 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,207▲ | $154,615 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,031 | $187,230▲ |
| Total Employed | 400▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Iowa City.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Iowa City is $13,923 (11.53%). 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,Iowa City spans $117,170. Iowa City 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 9.94% more than Iowa City ($133,622 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 Iowa City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($187,230)
- ✓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 Iowa City over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$98,750 (2019) → $130,540 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$108,044 (2024) → $117,048 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Des Moines or Iowa City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Iowa City?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Iowa City as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Des Moines vs Iowa City?
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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