Senior Actuary Salary in Marion, IA: $184,847 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Marion, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $184,847/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Marion's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $204,477 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 Marion, Iowa, seasoned actuaries stand to benefit significantly from a competitive compensation structure that reflects their expertise and experience. By 2026, top-tier earners in this market can expect salaries reaching up to $184,847, with high performers often earning around $152,647. The substantial gap between the median annual salary of $119,256 and these upper percentiles illustrates the experience premium available to those who have dedicated over seven years to the profession. Achieving such heights in Marion requires not only advanced credentials but also strategic career moves, such as specializing in high-demand fields within the actuarial domain like predictive analytics or enterprise risk management, which can command premium pay.
About the Marion Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marion
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Marion earn between $152,647 and $184,847 per year (2026 est.). This $112,438 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Marion median of $119,256 sits 11.11% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Marion | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $119,256 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,647 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $184,847 | $221,983 |
In Marion, 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 Marion
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $119,256 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Marion employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Marion command premium compensation, often reaching the $152,647–$184,847 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Marion metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Marion 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 Marion
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMarion ranks #9 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $184,847).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Marion ($184,847) is 1.36% above the Iowa average P90 ($182,374).
2019 BLS Actual
$161,212
2025 BLS Actual
$179,115
2026 Current Est.
$184,847
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Marion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $161,212 | Actual |
| 2020 | $163,219 | Actual |
| 2021 | $172,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $165,958 | Actual |
| 2023 | $174,294 | Actual |
| 2024 | $165,337 | Actual |
| 2025 | $179,115 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $184,847 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $190,762 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Marion saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $161,212 in 2019 to $179,115 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 $190,762 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marion 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 Marion
Senior actuaries in Marion can enhance their earning potential by focusing on specialized areas that are in high demand. Sectors like life and annuity, health, and property & casualty insurance frequently pay more due to the complexity and expertise required. Different employer types also influence compensation, with life insurance giants such as Prudential and MetLife typically offering more substantial salaries compared to positions in health insurance or consulting firms. Those on the path to leadership roles, such as transitioning from an actuarial analyst to a chief actuary, can expect financial rewards that correlate with exam progressions from ASA to FSA, where each passed exam often corresponds to significant raises. Credentialing not only serves as a route to enhanced pay, but certifications like ASA and FSA are also crucial for professionals aiming to excel in this market.
More salary data for Marion, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Marion in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Marion?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Marion?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Marion?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Marion?
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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 $179,115 for actuaries in the Marion 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 Marion 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