Actuary Salary in Ankeny, IA: $117,864 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Ankeny, IA earns a median $117,864/year (≈ $56.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Ankeny's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $130,381 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, actuaries in Ankeny, Iowa, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $117,864. This figure represents a competitive compensation package, particularly when compared to the national median of $134,160. Salary ranges vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $72,917, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $182,689. These local estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variances, reflecting the nuances of Ankeny’s job market. Actuaries looking to thrive in this city can find opportunities both in consulting firms, such as Milliman and Mercer, and in traditional insurance roles, where pay scales can differ considerably depending on the employer and specialty.
About the Ankeny Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,917 | $35.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,940 | $42.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $117,864 | $56.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $150,866 | $72.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $182,689 | $87.83 |
Median Salary Position
12.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ankeny
In Ankeny, IA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,772 (2026 est.). At $117,864, the local median is 12.15% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ankeny: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ankeny Actuary Pay Compares
Ankeny median: $117,864/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ankeny Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $121,259 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -12.15% less |
Actuarys in Ankeny, IA earn a median of $117,864 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.15% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 2.80% below the Iowa state average of $121,259.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ankeny has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ankeny, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $117,864 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $130,381 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$95,189
2025 BLS Actual
$114,209
2026 Current Est.
$117,864
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Ankeny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,189 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,543 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,036 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,144 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,424 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,423 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,209 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $117,864 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,635 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ankeny metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $95,189 (2019) to $114,209 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,635 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,446 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ankeny 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $72,917 – $88,940 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,940 – $117,864 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $117,864 – $150,866 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $150,866 – $182,689 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Ankeny
The job market in Ankeny currently employs 16 actuaries, suggesting a niche yet robust demand for these professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, actuaries might find that their salary stretches further in Ankeny compared to more expensive urban centers. Among local employers, life insurance companies like Prudential and health insurance firms such as UnitedHealth tend to offer competitive pay, but consulting firms often lead in compensation for those who have achieved FSA or FCAS credentials. The disparity in salaries can also stem from factors like exam progression, with each passed exam typically increasing pay by $3,000 to $8,000. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Ankeny, focusing on gaining relevant certifications and honing skills in predictive analytics may enhance career prospects and financial rewards.
More salary data for Ankeny, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $114,209 for actuariesin the Ankeny metropolitan area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ankeny 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