Actuary Salary in Des Moines, Iowa
The median actuary salary in Des Moines, IA is $104,871 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.
Actuary Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)
Des Moines offers a median actuary salary of $104,871, which is $3,420 above the Iowa state average of $101,451. Compared to the national median of $113,990, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for actuarys in Des Moines spans from $62,928 at the 10th percentile to $180,329 at the 90th percentile — a $117,401 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $64,400, while senior actuarys with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $161,000. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Actuary Salary in Des Moines by Experience
In Des Moines, an entry-level actuary earns around $64,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $161,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA
| Percentile | Des Moines |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $62,928 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,224 |
| Median (50th) | $104,871 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $180,329 |
Actuary Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a Actuary in Des Moines
Education
Most actuary positions require a bachelor's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, actuary employment is projected to grow 21% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Actuary Jobs in Des Moines
Browse open actuary positions in Des Moines, IA: