Actuary Salary in Dubuque, IA: $122,723 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Dubuque, IA earns a median $122,723/year (≈ $59.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Dubuque's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $135,756 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dubuque, Iowa, the anticipated median annual actuary salary for 2026 is projected to reach $122,723, which reflects a competitive positioning when compared to the national median of $134,160. With a salary range stretching from $73,928 at the 10th percentile to $190,221 at the 90th percentile, it's clear that there is significant variability in compensation levels for actuarial professionals within the area. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data indicate that Dubuque's actuarial pay is notably lower than the national average, suggesting a prevailing trend where consulting firms, such as Mercer or WTW, may offer higher salaries than traditional insurance roles. This pay gradient often stems from the nature of the work and the demand for specialized skill sets in the consulting sector.
About the Dubuque Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,928 | $35.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $91,205 | $43.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,723 | $59.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $157,086 | $75.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $190,221 | $91.46 |
Median Salary Position
8.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dubuque
In Dubuque, IA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,293 (2026 est.). At $122,723, the local median is 8.52% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dubuque: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dubuque Actuary Pay Compares
Dubuque median: $122,723/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dubuque Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $121,268 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $134,160 | -8.52% less |
Actuarys in Dubuque, IA earn a median of $122,723 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.52% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 1.20% above the Iowa state average of $121,268.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dubuque 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.
Dubuque, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $122,723 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,756 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,114
2025 BLS Actual
$118,918
2026 Current Est.
$122,723
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Dubuque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,114 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,565 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,872 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,273 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,770 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,771 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,918 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,723 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $126,651 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dubuque metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $99,114 (2019) to $118,918 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $126,651 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,537 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dubuque 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) | $73,928 – $91,205 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $91,205 – $122,723 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,723 – $157,086 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $157,086 – $190,221 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Dubuque
While there are currently 12 actuaries employed in Dubuque, the local job market presents opportunities tempered by a cost of living index of 90.4, making expenses below the national average. This creates a favorable take-home purchasing power for actuaries. Among local employers, consulting firms and larger insurers generally pay the most, with potential salary variations driven by factors such as exam progressions and specialization. Actuaries who advance to a Fellowship designation typically see significant salary increases, highlighting the importance of passing exams and obtaining credentials when aiming for higher pay. For those looking to increase their actuarial compensation in Dubuque, focusing on study packages, taking advantage of signing bonuses, and expanding into high-demand areas like property and casualty reinsurance or consulting could be effective strategies.
More salary data for Dubuque, 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 $118,918 for actuariesin the Dubuque 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 Dubuque 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