Senior Actuary Salary in Ames, IA: $187,065 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Ames, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $187,065/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Ames's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $206,930 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced actuaries in Ames, Iowa, can expect a median annual salary of $120,687, with the potential to earn substantially more as they progress in their careers. The top 10% of earners hold the prospect of collecting up to $187,065, significantly enhancing the earning potential for those with deep expertise and specialized skills. This notable difference between the median and top-tier salaries underscores the experience premium that seasoned actuaries can command in the local labor market. Achieving such pay levels typically requires a blend of advanced credentials, substantial exam progress, and experience across various actuarial fields. Those who can navigate this path are positioned to maximize their earnings while contributing significantly to their organizations.
About the Ames Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ames
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Ames earn between $154,480 and $187,065 per year (2026 est.). This $117,067 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Ames median of $120,687 sits 10.04% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Ames | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $120,687 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,480 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $187,065 | $221,983 |
In Ames, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Ames
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $120,687 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Ames employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Ames command premium compensation, often reaching the $154,480–$187,065 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Ames metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Ames with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Actuaries in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Actuary Career & Wage Growth Path in Ames
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAmes ranks #6 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $187,065).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Ames ($187,065) is 2.57% above the Iowa average P90 ($182,374).
2019 BLS Actual
$163,147
2025 BLS Actual
$181,265
2026 Current Est.
$187,065
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Ames (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $163,147 | Actual |
| 2020 | $165,178 | Actual |
| 2021 | $174,287 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $176,386 | Actual |
| 2024 | $167,321 | Actual |
| 2025 | $181,265 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $187,065 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $193,052 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Ames saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $163,147 in 2019 to $181,265 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.20% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $193,052 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ames 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.
Maximizing Your Actuary Earnings in Ames
The job market in Ames offers diverse opportunities across various sectors that influence senior actuary pay in IA. Specializations such as life and annuity, health, and property & casualty can command particularly high compensation, especially within leading firms like UnitedHealth, Cigna, and Prudential. Employers vary widely, and this discrepancy can create substantial differences in total compensation, as consulting firms generally offer higher salaries than traditional insurers. The career trajectory for actuaries often involves a progression from actuarial analyst to designated Fellow (FSA/FCAS), which typically demands several years of study and exam completion. Advanced credentials can significantly enhance an actuary's marketability and earnings potential. Non-salary compensation strategies, such as additional study time benefits and signing bonuses, also play a major role in attracting and retaining top talent in this competitive market, as each passed exam often leads to financial advancement.
More salary data for Ames, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Ames in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Ames?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Ames?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Ames?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Ames?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $181,265 for actuaries in the Ames metro area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ames 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