Senior Actuary Salary in Iowa City, IA: $187,230 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Iowa City, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $187,230/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Iowa City's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $207,113 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
Iowa City presents a compelling opportunity for experienced actuaries, particularly for those who have honed their skills over seven years or more. With a median annual salary projected at $120,794 in 2026, professionals in this area can tap into significant earning potential, particularly at the high end of the spectrum. The top earners in the actuarial field can expect to make $187,230, creating a notable gap of over $66,000 between the median and the 90th percentile salaries. For actuaries aiming for this top-tier pay in Iowa City, a combination of deep expertise in specialized areas and strategic career moves within organizations is essential. Developing a strong networking base and seeking advanced credentials will also facilitate entry into higher-paying roles.
About the Iowa City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Iowa City
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Iowa City earn between $154,615 and $187,230 per year (2026 est.). This $117,170 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Iowa City median of $120,794 sits 9.96% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Iowa City | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $120,794 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,615 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $187,230 | $221,983 |
In Iowa City, 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 Iowa City
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $120,794 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Iowa City employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Iowa City command premium compensation, often reaching the $154,615–$187,230 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Iowa City metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Iowa City 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 Iowa City
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedIowa City ranks #5 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $187,230).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Iowa City ($187,230) is 2.66% above the Iowa average P90 ($182,374).
2019 BLS Actual
$163,290
2025 BLS Actual
$181,424
2026 Current Est.
$187,230
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Iowa City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $163,290 | Actual |
| 2020 | $165,323 | Actual |
| 2021 | $174,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $168,098 | Actual |
| 2023 | $176,540 | Actual |
| 2024 | $167,468 | Actual |
| 2025 | $181,424 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $187,230 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $193,221 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Iowa City saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $163,290 in 2019 to $181,424 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 $193,221 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Iowa City 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 Iowa City
Several factors distinguish senior actuary pay in Iowa City, affecting how experienced professionals are compensated across various sectors. Specializations such as life and annuity, health insurance, property and casualty (P&C), pension and retirement consulting, and enterprise risk management command the highest premiums. Salaries can vary considerably depending on the employer type, with life insurance firms like Prudential and MetLife typically offering competitive packages, while consulting firms like Mercer and Aon are known for paying top dollar, especially to FSAs and FCAS holders. Moreover, the pathway to advanced roles, like managing actuary or chief actuary, often requires significant credentialing and exam completion. Focused efforts in completing the ASA-to-FSA transition, characterized by rigorous exam sequences and gaining VEE credits, can lead to jumps in compensation. Additionally, performance-based incentives such as signing bonuses for gaining key credentials and higher salaries associated with successful exam progression contribute to overall financial growth in this field.
More salary data for Iowa City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Iowa City in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Iowa City?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Iowa City?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Iowa City?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Iowa City?
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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 $181,424 for actuaries in the Iowa City 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 Iowa City 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