Actuary Salary in Fort Dodge, IA: $111,327 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Fort Dodge, IA earns a median $111,327/year (≈ $53.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Fort Dodge's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $123,149 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Actuaries in Fort Dodge, Iowa, can anticipate a median annual salary of $111,327 in 2026, reflecting a localized pay structure that deviates from national trends. The salary range spans from $72,178 at the 10th percentile to a high of $170,765 at the 90th percentile, indicating a competitive market for the profession despite variations in employer types. It's essential to consider that these figures derive from BLS state-level data and incorporate regional price adjustments. In Fort Dodge, actuaries typically find themselves in consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer or life and health insurers, although the prevailing salary levels suggest a potential stratification based on whether one is working at a consulting firm or an insurance provider.
About the Fort Dodge Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,178 | $34.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,942 | $41.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $111,327 | $53.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,499 | $68.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $170,765 | $82.10 |
Median Salary Position
17.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Dodge
In Fort Dodge, IA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $98,587 (2026 est.). At $111,327, the local median is 17.02% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fort Dodge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fort Dodge Actuary Pay Compares
Fort Dodge median: $111,327/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Dodge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $121,271 | -8.20% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -17.02% less |
Actuarys in Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $111,327 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.02% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $121,271.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Dodge has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fort Dodge, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $111,327 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $123,149 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,910
2025 BLS Actual
$107,875
2026 Current Est.
$111,327
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,910 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,134 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,877 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,590 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,577 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,577 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,875 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,327 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,889 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Dodge metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $89,910 (2019) to $107,875 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $114,889 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,979 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Dodge 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $72,178 – $85,942 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,942 – $111,327 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $111,327 – $142,499 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,499 – $170,765 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Fort Dodge
Employment for actuaries in Fort Dodge remains limited, with only four professionals currently in the workforce. The cost of living index for the area stands at 90.4, which is below the national average and enhances the purchasing power of Fort Dodge residents. Employers offering higher salaries typically include life insurance companies and consulting firms, particularly for those who achieve fellowship status. Actuaries should focus on exam progress, as each passed exam can translate to an additional $3,000 to $8,000 in pay. To maximize earnings, candidates should aim for positions at firms that value advanced credentials and consider the specialty of their market—consulting and P&C insurance generally offer higher pay scales. Engaging with firms that provide comprehensive study benefit packages or signing bonuses for completed credentials can also positively impact an actuary's salary trajectory in Fort Dodge, IA.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $107,875 for actuariesin the Fort Dodge metropolitan area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fort Dodge 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