Senior Actuary Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $179,042 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Marshalltown, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $179,042/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Marshalltown's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $198,055 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 Marshalltown, the potential for seasoned actuaries to achieve top-tier compensation is evident, with projections for 2026 indicating a salary range reaching up to $179,042 for the 90th percentile. Experienced professionals can expect a median annual salary of $115,511, which highlights a significant gap between median earnings and top earners. This experience premium illustrates the value placed on advanced credentials and sustained performance in this competitive market. To reach such lucrative heights in the Iowa landscape, actuaries would need to cultivate a combination of industry specialization and skills. This includes a focus on advanced actuarial concepts, strong analytical capabilities, and professional designations such as FSA or FCAS.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Marshalltown earn between $147,854 and $179,042 per year (2026 est.). This $105,324 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Marshalltown median of $115,511 sits 13.9% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Marshalltown | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $115,511 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,854 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $179,042 | $221,983 |
In Marshalltown, 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 Marshalltown
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $115,511 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Marshalltown employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Marshalltown command premium compensation, often reaching the $147,854–$179,042 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Marshalltown metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMarshalltown ranks #16 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $179,042).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Marshalltown ($179,042) is 1.83% below the Iowa average P90 ($182,374).
2019 BLS Actual
$156,149
2025 BLS Actual
$173,490
2026 Current Est.
$179,042
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Marshalltown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $156,149 | Actual |
| 2020 | $158,093 | Actual |
| 2021 | $166,812 | Actual |
| 2022 | $160,746 | Actual |
| 2023 | $168,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $160,144 | Actual |
| 2025 | $173,490 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $179,042 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $184,771 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Marshalltown saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $156,149 in 2019 to $173,490 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 $184,771 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown
Compensation varies notably across different employer sectors within Marshalltown's actuary market. Senior actuaries with expertise in specialized fields like life and annuity, health, and predictive analytics are typically awarded higher salaries. Firms such as Prudential and UnitedHealth are known for their robust salary packages, while consulting firms like Mercer and Milliman often offer premium pay for FSAs or FCAS due to the demand for their actuarial consulting services. The career progression from actuarial analyst to roles such as managing actuary or chief actuary further affects salary dynamics, as does the ASA-to-FSA timeline that acts as a clear path for career advancement. Additional factors such as the successful completion of actuarial exams can lead to immediate pay increments, while non-salary benefits might include study time packages and signing bonuses for credential accomplishments. This complex interplay of specialization and employer type defines the senior actuary pay structure in IA.
More salary data for Marshalltown, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Marshalltown in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Marshalltown?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Marshalltown?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Marshalltown?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Marshalltown?
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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 $173,490 for actuaries in the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown 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