Senior Actuary Salary in Burlington, IA: $180,502 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $180,502/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $199,670 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 Burlington, Iowa, an experienced actuary can anticipate earning a median annual salary of $116,453 in 2026, with opportunities for significantly higher compensation at the top of the pay scale. The highest earners in the area, those in the 90th percentile, can achieve an impressive $180,502, showcasing the potential for substantial financial rewards for seasoned professionals. This illustrates a widening gap between the median salary and the top actuarial earnings, reflecting the value of extensive experience in this competitive market. To reach such esteemed positions, actuaries typically must maintain a strong track record in specialized areas such as capital modeling or predictive analytics, along with obtaining advanced credentials like the Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) or Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS).
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $149,060 and $180,502 per year (2026 est.). This $106,381 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $116,453 sits 13.2% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $116,453 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,060 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $180,502 | $221,983 |
In Burlington, 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 Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $116,453 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $149,060–$180,502 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Burlington 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 Burlington
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #13 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $180,502).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Burlington ($180,502) is 1.03% below the Iowa average P90 ($182,374).
2019 BLS Actual
$157,423
2025 BLS Actual
$174,905
2026 Current Est.
$180,502
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $157,423 | Actual |
| 2020 | $159,382 | Actual |
| 2021 | $168,172 | Actual |
| 2022 | $162,057 | Actual |
| 2023 | $170,197 | Actual |
| 2024 | $161,309 | Actual |
| 2025 | $174,905 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $180,502 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $186,278 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $157,423 in 2019 to $174,905 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 $186,278 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
When dissecting the components of senior actuary pay in IA, a few key factors emerge. Specializations play a vital role, with areas like life and annuity, health, and property & casualty leading to higher compensation. Employer type also influences income; actuaries working for life insurance companies or large consulting firms like Aon and Mercer often see more lucrative salaries compared to those at smaller firms or non-profits. Additionally, career progression within the profession is well-defined, moving from actuarial analyst roles to senior leadership positions, which typically require passing rigorous exams for credentials like ASA to FSA. This upward mobility is a major factor in compensation growth, as achieving each credential often translates into a pay increase. Non-salary benefits like signing bonuses for credential completion and comprehensive study time packages further enhance total compensation for Iowa's top actuaries.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Burlington?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Burlington?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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 $174,905 for actuaries in the Burlington 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 Burlington 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