Lake Stevens vs Seattle: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Lake Stevens, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Stevens, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,357▲ | $139,031 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.00▲ | $66.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,842▲ | $88,153 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,394▲ | $107,472 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,263 | $182,365▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $216,004 | $216,658▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Lake Stevens and Seattle are closely matched on overall actuary compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lake Stevens and Seattle is $326 (0.23%). Lake Stevens's median is +3.87% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Stevens spans $124,162,Seattle spans $128,505. Seattle has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lake Stevens ($129,755 effective) pays 3.72% 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 Lake Stevens if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,357/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,755)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($216,658)
- ✓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 Lake Stevens grew -1.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Lake Stevens, WA
$137,113 (2024) → $135,036 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$132,560 (2019) → $134,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Stevens, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Lake Stevens or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Stevens and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Lake Stevens to Seattle as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Lake Stevens vs 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