Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Bettendorf, IA: $74,526 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Bettendorf, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,526 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bettendorf's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,440 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,868) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the actuarial field in Bettendorf, Iowa, can anticipate an entry-level actuary salary of approximately $74,526. This figure sits significantly below the city's median annual salary of $115,868, highlighting a notable gap that early-career professionals should be aware of as they begin their careers. However, the growth potential over the first few years is promising, as the salaries for actuaries can rise from the P10 figure through to the P25, which is projected at $89,239, allowing graduates to work toward closing that gap with experience and additional credentials. For new grads looking to establish themselves in Bettendorf, the market does seem favorable, especially with a steady growth rate projected at 3.20% annually.
About the Bettendorf Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bettendorf
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bettendorf
Entry-level actuarys in Bettendorf, IA typically start between $74,526 and $89,239 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $105,069 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,868 — 13.63% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Iowa of $45,000 represents just 60.38% of the starting actuary pay ($74,526/year) in Bettendorf. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover bachelor's degree tuition at public and private universities, plus estimated actuarial exam fees and study materials. Employers often cover exam costs once employed.
ASA, FSA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Bettendorf
- 1Research the Bettendorf market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $74,526 to $89,239, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the actuarial science field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bettendorf, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Bettendorf for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bettendorf's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Bettendorf is $105,069 ( 140.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,526, experienced hygienists can earn up to $179,595.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,614
2025 BLS Actual
$72,215
2026 Current Est.
$74,526
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Bettendorf (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,614 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,689 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,143 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,956 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,283 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,004 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,215 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,526 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,911 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Bettendorf, IA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,614 in 2019 to $72,215 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,911. New graduates entering the Bettendorf job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bettendorf metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your actuarial science Career in Bettendorf
Employers in the Bettendorf area that typically hire entry-level actuaries include prominent life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, which often engage actuarial students through structured internship programs that feature built-in study time for crucial examinations. Health insurance firms also actively recruit new grads, while consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer pay a premium for recent hires who have obtained their Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) designation, which can significantly bolster starting salaries. To enhance their earning potential, new entrants should focus on developing strong foundations in mathematics and statistics, passing actuarial exams, and obtaining VEE credits in areas like economics and accounting. Each exam passed can lead to increased compensation, typically ranging from $3,000 to $8,000 per exam. Realistically, actuaries just starting can expect salary growth commensurate with their exam progress, particularly if they aim for fellowships, which position them more advantageously in the market.
More salary data for Bettendorf, 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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new actuarial science graduates. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Bettendorf. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bettendorf is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for actuarys (SOC 15-2011).
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov