Davenport vs Des Moines: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Davenport, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,545 | $134,717▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.70 | $64.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,993 | $84,603▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,006 | $102,870▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,457▲ | $159,207 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,898▲ | $179,031 |
| Total Employed | 50 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Davenport.
The salary gap between Davenport and Des Moines is $27,172 (25.27%). 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 Davenport spans $136,905,Des Moines spans $94,428. Davenport 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 21.68% more than Davenport ($120,730 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($199,898)
- ✓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 Davenport grew -6.0% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 32.2% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$110,850 (2022) → $104,210 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$98,750 (2019) → $130,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Davenport or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Des Moines as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Davenport vs Des Moines?
Related Comparisons
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