Bellingham vs Tacoma: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Bellingham, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,965▲ | $136,712 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.22▲ | $65.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,500▲ | $80,767 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,767▲ | $100,946 |
| 75th Percentile | $184,275▲ | $174,991 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $223,146▲ | $211,904 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 56▲ |
Verdict
Bellingham, WA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tacoma.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Tacoma is $7,253 (5.31%). 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,Tacoma spans $131,137. 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 5.31% more than Tacoma ($127,292 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 Tacoma if…
- ✓Larger job market (56 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 -7.7% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$141,647 (2024) → $139,501 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$143,585 (2024) → $132,473 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Tacoma, WA
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
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