Senior Actuary Salary in Bettendorf, IA: $179,595 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Bettendorf, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $179,595/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Bettendorf's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $198,667 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 Bettendorf, Iowa, the potential for senior actuaries to earn a top actuary salary is significant, with the 2026 figures indicating a P90 salary of $179,595 and a P75 of $148,311. These amounts highlight a considerable gap between the median annual salary for experienced actuaries in the area, which stands at $115,868. Achieving these upper salary brackets typically requires a proven track record, advanced credentials such as Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA), and specialization in high-demand areas. Actuaries who have refined their expertise in sectors like enterprise risk management or predictive analytics are often positioned for this lucrative tier, demonstrating that continuous learning and strategic career moves are essential for reaching the pinnacle of senior actuary pay in IA.
About the Bettendorf Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bettendorf
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Bettendorf earn between $148,311 and $179,595 per year (2026 est.). This $105,069 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bettendorf median of $115,868 sits 13.63% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Bettendorf | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $115,868 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,311 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $179,595 | $221,983 |
In Bettendorf, 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 Bettendorf
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $115,868 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bettendorf employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Bettendorf command premium compensation, often reaching the $148,311–$179,595 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bettendorf metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Bettendorf 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 Bettendorf
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBettendorf ranks #15 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $179,595).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Bettendorf ($179,595) is 1.52% below the Iowa average P90 ($182,374).
2019 BLS Actual
$156,631
2025 BLS Actual
$174,026
2026 Current Est.
$179,595
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
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 | $156,631 | Actual |
| 2020 | $158,581 | Actual |
| 2021 | $167,327 | Actual |
| 2022 | $161,243 | Actual |
| 2023 | $169,342 | Actual |
| 2024 | $160,640 | Actual |
| 2025 | $174,026 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $179,595 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $185,342 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Bettendorf saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $156,631 in 2019 to $174,026 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 $185,342 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Actuary Earnings in Bettendorf
Top-tier actuary salaries in Bettendorf are influenced by a variety of factors, including specialization and employer type. Areas such as life and annuity, health insurance, or property & casualty demand skills that can significantly boost compensation. Life insurance firms like Prudential or health management companies such as UnitedHealth often offer competitive pay structures, while consulting firms might present a higher salary potential for FSAs and FCAS designations due to the premium placed on advanced analytics and strategic insights. Additionally, with the landscape evolving, actuaries pursuing higher credentials can see a meaningful impact on their earnings. Achieving an Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) can typically lead to a substantial pay increase upon attaining fellowship status. This progression often entails a commitment to passing multiple exams and fulfilling specific education credits, and it’s not uncommon for each passed exam to add between $3,000 and $8,000 to one's base salary.
More salary data for Bettendorf, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Bettendorf in 2026?
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How much does actuary salary increase over time in Bettendorf?
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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 $174,026 for actuaries in the Bettendorf 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 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