Bellingham vs Seattle: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Bellingham, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,965▲ | $139,031 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.22▲ | $66.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,500 | $88,153▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $104,767 | $107,472▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $184,275▲ | $182,365 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $223,146▲ | $216,658 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Bellingham, WA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Seattle.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Seattle is $4,934 (3.55%). Bellingham's median is +7.31% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $139,646,Seattle spans $128,505. Bellingham has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bellingham ($134,046 effective) pays 7.15% more than Seattle ($125,103 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,965/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($223,146)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,046)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Bellingham grew -1.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$141,647 (2024) → $139,501 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$132,560 (2019) → $134,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Bellingham or Seattle?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov