Actuary Salary in Waterloo, IA: $118,036 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Waterloo, IA earns a median $118,036/year (≈ $56.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Waterloo's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $130,571 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for an actuary in Waterloo, IA, is $118,036. This figure is notably below the national median of $134,160, reflecting the unique economic landscape of the area. The salary range for actuaries here spans from $73,296 at the 10th percentile to $182,956 at the 90th percentile, offering a clear illustration of how experience and specialty can influence earnings. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost variances, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges faced by professionals in the local market. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.20%, Waterloo's job market for actuaries seems to show steady promise, albeit within a competitive national environment.
About the Waterloo Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,296 | $35.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,274 | $42.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $118,036 | $56.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $151,086 | $72.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $182,956 | $87.96 |
Median Salary Position
12.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waterloo
In Waterloo, IA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,660 (2026 est.). At $118,036, the local median is 12.02% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waterloo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waterloo Actuary Pay Compares
Waterloo median: $118,036/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waterloo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $121,311 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -12.02% less |
Actuarys in Waterloo, IA earn a median of $118,036 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.02% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 2.70% below the Iowa state average of $121,311.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waterloo 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.
Waterloo, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $118,036 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $130,571 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$95,328
2025 BLS Actual
$114,376
2026 Current Est.
$118,036
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Waterloo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,328 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,686 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,172 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,578 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,578 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,376 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,036 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,813 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waterloo metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $95,328 (2019) to $114,376 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,813 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,485 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterloo 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) | $73,296 – $89,274 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,274 – $118,036 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $118,036 – $151,086 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $151,086 – $182,956 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Waterloo
While the number of actuaries employed in Waterloo is relatively small, with only nine professionals currently in the field, this localized market structure might foster a close-knit professional community. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 90.4, actuaries here may find their purchasing power surprisingly favorable compared to larger cities. Employers in the area that typically offer higher salaries include major life insurance firms like Prudential and Northwestern Mutual, alongside health insurance giants such as UnitedHealth and Cigna. The variance in pay reflects several factors: each passed exam can yield an increase of $3,000 to $8,000 in base salary, while the transition from Associate to Fellow status often commands a significant pay jump. Actuaries can strategically maximize their pay in Waterloo by focusing on specialized skills in high-demand areas such as property and casualty reinsurance or consulting. Additionally, engaging with local firms that offer substantial benefits for study time or competitive signing bonuses upon credential completion can further enhance earnings in this market.
More salary data for Waterloo, 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 $114,376 for actuariesin the Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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