Senior Actuary Salary in Johnston, IA: $174,479 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Johnston, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $174,479/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Johnston's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $193,008 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
Senior actuaries in Johnston, Iowa, can expect competitive compensation that reflects their extensive experience and specialized skills. The median annual salary for this role in 2026 is projected at $112,567, but those who reach the 90th percentile can earn as high as $174,479. It's noteworthy that this top tier significantly outpaces the national median, with senior professionals in Johnston finding themselves earning substantial sums that underscore the experience premium associated with this profession. Achieving such upper-echelon pay typically necessitates a laser focus on specialized fields, advanced qualifications like FSA or FCAS, and a firm grasp of sophisticated actuarial concepts and methodologies, including predictive analytics and enterprise risk management.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnston
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Johnston earn between $144,087 and $174,479 per year (2026 est.). This $99,290 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Johnston median of $112,567 sits 16.09% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Johnston | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $112,567 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $144,087 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $174,479 | $221,983 |
In Johnston, 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 Johnston
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $112,567 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Johnston employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Johnston command premium compensation, often reaching the $144,087–$174,479 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Johnston metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Johnston 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 Johnston
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedJohnston ranks #25 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $174,479).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Johnston ($174,479) is 4.33% below the Iowa average P90 ($182,374).
2019 BLS Actual
$152,170
2025 BLS Actual
$169,069
2026 Current Est.
$174,479
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $152,170 | Actual |
| 2020 | $154,064 | Actual |
| 2021 | $162,561 | Actual |
| 2022 | $156,650 | Actual |
| 2023 | $164,518 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,063 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,069 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $174,479 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $180,063 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Johnston saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $152,170 in 2019 to $169,069 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 $180,063 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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 Johnston
Compensation for seasoned actuaries in Johnston varies based on the sector in which they operate. Those focusing on life and annuity practices may see different salary structures compared to their counterparts in health insurance or property and casualty sectors. Senior roles at life insurance giants like Prudential or consulting firms such as Milliman are often accompanied by higher compensation packages, especially for those with advanced credentials. Progression within the actuarial field often leads from actuarial analyst to obtaining the ASA designation, continuing through to fellow status (FSA or FCAS). This career trajectory is marked by a multi-year commitment to examinations, each successfully passed typically yielding pay raises of $3,000 to $8,000. Furthermore, specialties in predictive analytics or capital modeling are becoming increasingly lucrative, with clear paths laid out for advancement in Johnston's market. Non-salary benefits, such as study support and signing bonuses for credential completion, further enhance the attractiveness of this career.
More salary data for Johnston, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Johnston in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Johnston?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Johnston?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Johnston?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Johnston?
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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 $169,069 for actuaries in the Johnston 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 Johnston 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