Senior Actuary Salary in Ankeny, IA: $182,689 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Ankeny, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $182,689/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Ankeny's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $202,090 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
Achieving top-tier pay as an actuary in Ankeny, Iowa, requires both skill and strategic career navigation. With 2026 projections indicating a potential high of $182,689 for the 90th percentile, those at the peak of their profession stand to earn significantly more than the median annual salary of $117,864. This remarkable gap highlights the experience premium available to those who advance beyond entry-level positions. Engaging in continued education, obtaining credentials such as the ASA or FSA, and specializing in sought-after areas can facilitate movement toward that top actuary salary in Ankeny. Those focused on niche specializations or advanced practices, such as predictive analytics or enterprise risk management, are particularly well-positioned to maximize their earning potential.
About the Ankeny Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ankeny
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Ankeny earn between $150,866 and $182,689 per year (2026 est.). This $109,772 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Ankeny median of $117,864 sits 12.15% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Ankeny | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $117,864 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,866 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $182,689 | $221,983 |
In Ankeny, 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 Ankeny
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $117,864 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Ankeny employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Ankeny command premium compensation, often reaching the $150,866–$182,689 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Ankeny metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Ankeny 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 Ankeny
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAnkeny ranks #11 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $182,689).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Ankeny ($182,689) is 0.17% above the Iowa average P90 ($182,374).
2019 BLS Actual
$159,330
2025 BLS Actual
$177,024
2026 Current Est.
$182,689
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Ankeny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $159,330 | Actual |
| 2020 | $161,313 | Actual |
| 2021 | $170,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $164,021 | Actual |
| 2023 | $172,259 | Actual |
| 2024 | $163,406 | Actual |
| 2025 | $177,024 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $182,689 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $188,535 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Ankeny saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $159,330 in 2019 to $177,024 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 $188,535 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ankeny 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 Ankeny
Compensation for experienced actuaries in Ankeny varies significantly based on specialization and employer type. Life and annuity actuaries, for instance, tend to earn more at firms like Prudential or MetLife, while health insurance actuaries often see lucrative packages at UnitedHealth or Cigna. Property and casualty insurance, represented by companies like State Farm and Progressive, can also provide robust pay scales for seasoned professionals. The pathway to higher salaries often correlates with advanced actuarial credentials and exam success; attained qualifications can lead directly to management roles or consulting positions at top firms like Mercer or Aon. Furthermore, actuarial professionals can experience substantial increases in their compensation alongside their credential levels, with every passed exam likely adding to their baseline salary. This dynamic underscores the importance of both continual professional development and strategic career choices in the Ankeny market.
More salary data for Ankeny, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Ankeny in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Ankeny?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Ankeny?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Ankeny?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Ankeny?
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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 $177,024 for actuaries in the Ankeny 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 Ankeny 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