The invention provides techniques for adjusting for actuator non-linearities in a data storage system. The invention is particularly useful for piezoelectric actuators, such as actuators that implement a bimorph piezoelectric crystal structure or a laminate piezoelectric crystal structure, although other actuators may present similar non-linearity issues. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method comprising applying a signal to an actuator of a data storage system, the actuator having a non-linear response, wherein the signal includes a linear drive component and a non-linear adjustment component, and positioning a data storage head with respect to a data storage medium via the actuator.