Actuary Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $115,511 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Marshalltown, IA earns a median $115,511/year (≈ $55.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Marshalltown's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $127,778 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the realm of actuarial careers, those in Marshalltown, Iowa can expect to earn a median annual salary of $115,511, significantly influenced by strategic exam progression. This figure positions local actuary pay approximately 13.90% below the national median of $134,160, reflecting a competitive but challenging market for professionals in the area. The salary range for actuaries in Marshalltown varies considerably, with entry-level positions offering around $73,718 (P10) to seasoned experts receiving up to $179,042 (P90). These figures, derived from BLS 2025 data and adjusted for local cost factors, indicate potential for growth driven by the passage of actuarial exams and gaining higher credentials over time, particularly as demand for specialized skills continues to evolve.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,718 | $35.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,969 | $41.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $115,511 | $55.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $147,854 | $71.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $179,042 | $86.08 |
Median Salary Position
13.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown
In Marshalltown, IA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $105,324 (2026 est.). At $115,511, the local median is 13.9% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Marshalltown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Marshalltown Actuary Pay Compares
Marshalltown median: $115,511/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Marshalltown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $121,335 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -13.90% less |
Actuarys in Marshalltown, IA earn a median of $115,511 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.90% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 4.80% below the Iowa state average of $121,335.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Marshalltown 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.
Marshalltown, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $115,511 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $127,778 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$93,289
2025 BLS Actual
$111,929
2026 Current Est.
$115,511
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Marshalltown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,289 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,596 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,179 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,145 | Actual |
| 2023 | $103,319 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,319 | Actual |
| 2025 | $111,929 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,511 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119,207 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Marshalltown metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $93,289 (2019) to $111,929 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $119,207 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,918 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown 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) | $73,718 – $85,969 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,969 – $115,511 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $115,511 – $147,854 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $147,854 – $179,042 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Marshalltown
The job market for actuaries in Marshalltown, with only eight currently employed in the field, indicates a niche but stable landscape. The local cost of living index sits at 90.4, which suggests that while the actuary salary in Marshalltown may not compete nationally, professionals benefit from a lower living expense, potentially enhancing take-home purchasing power. Major employers in the area include life and health insurance companies like Prudential and UnitedHealth, along with property and casualty insurers such as State Farm. Pay discrepancies within this market often arise from factors including exam completion, specialty focus, and the transition from ASA to FSA or FCAS, where each passed exam can elevate compensation by $3,000 to $8,000. For actuaries looking to maximize their earnings in Marshalltown, focusing on acquiring credentials and specializing in higher-paying segments like property and casualty reinsurance or consulting could provide significant benefits in salary growth.
More salary data for Marshalltown, 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 $111,929 for actuariesin the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown 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