Senior Actuary Salary in Ottumwa, IA: $174,903 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Ottumwa, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $174,903/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Ottumwa's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $193,477 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 Ottumwa, Iowa, experienced actuaries can expect substantial compensation for their expertise, particularly at senior levels. With a projected median annual salary of $112,841 in 2026, actuaries in this market are positioned well, especially as the top 10% can command upwards of $174,903. This figure reflects a significant gap between median pay and top earners, showcasing the experience premium that seasoned professionals enjoy. To reach these upper echelons, actuaries should focus on developing specialized skills and credentials while also positioning themselves in industries that value their experience, such as consultancy or larger insurance firms, where advanced roles are much more accessible.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ottumwa
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Ottumwa earn between $144,437 and $174,903 per year (2026 est.). This $99,070 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Ottumwa median of $112,841 sits 15.89% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Ottumwa | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $112,841 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $144,437 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $174,903 | $221,983 |
In Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $112,841 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Ottumwa employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Ottumwa command premium compensation, often reaching the $144,437–$174,903 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Ottumwa metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedOttumwa ranks #24 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $174,903).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Ottumwa ($174,903) is 4.1% below the Iowa average P90 ($182,374).
2019 BLS Actual
$152,540
2025 BLS Actual
$169,480
2026 Current Est.
$174,903
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $152,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $154,439 | Actual |
| 2021 | $162,956 | Actual |
| 2022 | $157,031 | Actual |
| 2023 | $164,918 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,321 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,480 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $174,903 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $180,500 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Ottumwa saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $152,540 in 2019 to $169,480 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 $180,500 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa
In-depth knowledge of specific specializations can further enhance earning potential in Ottumwa, particularly in areas like life and annuity, enterprise risk management, and data analytics. Senior actuaries often find varying levels of compensation depending on their employer, whether it be a life insurance company, a health insurer, or a consulting firm. Firms like MetLife or Cigna may prioritize different skill sets, influencing payscales. Furthermore, progression in one’s career from an actuarial analyst through ASA to FSA or FCAS can lead to significant pay increases, with each passed exam typically resulting in a salary bump. Non-salary drivers, such as study time benefits and signing bonuses for credential completion, also significantly impact the overall compensation package for seasoned professionals in the field.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Ottumwa in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Ottumwa?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Ottumwa?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Ottumwa?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Ottumwa?
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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 $169,480 for actuaries in the Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa 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