Actuary Salary in Marion, IA: $119,256 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Marion, IA earns a median $119,256/year (≈ $57.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Marion's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $131,920 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, actuaries in Marion, Iowa, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $119,256. This figure places the city's actuary compensation slightly below the national median of $134,160, reflecting a local salary range that spans from $72,409 at the 10th percentile to $184,847 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, highlight the unique market dynamics of Marion, particularly when considering the differences between actuaries specializing in life and health insurance through the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and those working in property and casualty sectors represented by the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). With such variability in pay, the job market for actuaries in Marion is both competitive and nuanced.
About the Marion Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,409 | $34.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,767 | $42.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $119,256 | $57.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $152,647 | $73.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $184,847 | $88.87 |
Median Salary Position
11.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marion
In Marion, IA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $112,438 (2026 est.). At $119,256, the local median is 11.11% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Marion: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Marion Actuary Pay Compares
Marion median: $119,256/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Marion Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $121,318 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -11.11% less |
Actuarys in Marion, IA earn a median of $119,256 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.11% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 1.70% below the Iowa state average of $121,318.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Marion 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.
Marion, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $119,256 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $131,920 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,313
2025 BLS Actual
$115,558
2026 Current Est.
$119,256
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Marion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,313 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,695 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,135 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,327 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,669 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,669 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,558 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,256 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $123,072 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Marion metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $96,313 (2019) to $115,558 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $123,072 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,759 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marion 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) | $72,409 – $88,767 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,767 – $119,256 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $119,256 – $152,647 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $152,647 – $184,847 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Marion
As of the latest estimates, only six actuaries are employed in the Marion area, a number that indicates a small but dedicated local profession. The cost of living index sits at 90.4, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power for actuaries in Marion remains relatively stable compared to larger urban centers. Employers such as Prudential and MetLife, known for their life insurance practices, and firms like State Farm, focusing on property and casualty insurance, are among the top payers in the region. Factors influencing the substantial salary variation include progress through actuarial exams, with each successfully passed exam typically resulting in an increase in base pay, as well as differences in specialization, with insurance consulting often yielding higher compensation than traditional insurance roles. For those looking to maximize their actuary pay in Marion, focusing on gaining relevant experience, pursuing advanced credentials, and considering roles in consulting can significantly augment their earning potential.
More salary data for Marion, 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 $115,558 for actuariesin the Marion 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 Marion 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