Senior Actuary Salary in Des Moines, WA: $221,273 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Des Moines, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $221,273/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Des Moines's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $206,027 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 Des Moines, WA, the potential for top-tier actuary compensation is significant, with the 2026 P90 salary projected at a remarkable $221,273. This figure places experienced actuaries in Des Moines well above the national average for top earners, providing a compelling incentive for skilled professionals in the field. The median annual salary of $142,757 reflects a substantial experience premium, highlighting the lucrative opportunities available for actuaries with over seven years of experience. Achieving such high levels of compensation requires dedication, advanced credentials, and a strong command of specialized actuarial knowledge, as professionals often advance through rigorous exam processes to attain Fellow status, paving the way to leadership positions and significant salary increases.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Des Moines earn between $182,728 and $221,273 per year (2026 est.). This $133,238 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Des Moines median of $142,757 sits 6.41% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Des Moines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $142,757 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $182,728 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $221,273 | $221,983 |
In Des Moines, 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 Des Moines
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $142,757 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Des Moines employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Des Moines command premium compensation, often reaching the $182,728–$221,273 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Des Moines metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Des Moines 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 Washington 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 Des Moines
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDes Moines ranks #15 of 49 Washington cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $221,273).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Des Moines ($221,273) is 1.19% above the Washington average P90 ($218,679).
2019 BLS Actual
$192,981
2025 BLS Actual
$214,412
2026 Current Est.
$221,273
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $192,981 | Actual |
| 2020 | $195,383 | Actual |
| 2021 | $206,158 | Actual |
| 2022 | $198,663 | Actual |
| 2023 | $208,641 | Actual |
| 2024 | $217,710 | Actual |
| 2025 | $214,412 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $221,273 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $228,354 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Des Moines saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $192,981 in 2019 to $214,412 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 $228,354 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Compensation strategies for senior actuaries in Des Moines are influenced heavily by specialization and employer type. Those focused on life and annuities, health insurance, or predictive analytics typically command higher salaries due to increased demand in these fields. Major employers like Prudential or UnitedHealth offer varying pay scales, with consulting firms frequently providing premium salaries for actuaries holding Fellow designations. Career advancement paths can propel actuaries from initial roles as analysts to chief actuaries, often including the journey from ASA to FSA, which typically spans five to eight years and includes passing numerous exams. Additional benefits such as signing bonuses for exam completions and study time allowances further enhance the compensation for high-performing actuaries in this competitive market. As actuaries navigate their career trajectories, focusing on advanced credentials like ASA and FSA is paramount for maximizing both salary and job opportunities in the evolving landscape of actuarial science in WA.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Des Moines in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Des Moines?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Des Moines?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Des Moines?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Des Moines?
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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 $214,412 for actuaries in the Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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