Ames vs Des Moines: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Ames, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $120,687 | $134,717▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.02 | $64.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,998 | $84,603▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,236 | $102,870▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $154,480 | $159,207▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $187,065▲ | $179,031 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ames.
The salary gap between Ames and Des Moines is $14,030 (11.63%). Des Moines's median is +0.42% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $117,067,Des Moines spans $94,428. Ames has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($146,909 effective) pays 10.04% more than Ames ($133,503 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($187,065)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,717/year)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,909)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Ames grew 8.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.2% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Ames, IA
$107,949 (2024) → $116,945 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$98,750 (2019) → $130,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Ames or 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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov