Actuary Pay

Pasco vs Tacoma: Actuary Salary (2026)

Compare actuary salaries between Pasco, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Pasco, WA
$140,587
$67.59/hr
Tacoma, WA
$136,712
$65.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPasco, WATacoma, WA
Median Salary$140,587$136,712
Hourly Rate$67.59$65.73
Entry Level (P10)$87,857$80,767
25th Percentile$106,749$100,946
75th Percentile$179,952$174,991
Top Earner (P90)$217,910$211,904
Total Employed1856
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Pasco ($140,587) and Tacoma ($136,712) actuary salaries.PascoTacomaMedian Salary$140,587$136,712Entry Level (P10)$87,857$80,767Top Earner (P90)$217,910$211,904US Median $134,160

Verdict

Pasco, WA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tacoma.

The salary gap between Pasco and Tacoma is $3,875 (2.83%). Pasco's median is +4.79% compared to the US national median of $134,160.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pasco spans $130,053,Tacoma spans $131,137. Tacoma has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.

Pasco
P10 (Entry)$87,857
P25$106,749
Median$140,587
P75$179,952
P90 (Top)$217,910
Tacoma
P10 (Entry)$80,767
P25$100,946
Median$136,712
P75$174,991
P90 (Top)$211,904

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pasco ($130,900 effective) pays 2.83% more than Tacoma ($127,292 effective).

Pasco
Nominal: $140,587
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $130,900
Tacoma
Nominal: $136,712
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $127,292

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Pasco if…

  • Higher median salary ($140,587/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($217,910)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,900)
  • 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 Pasco grew -1.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -7.7% growth in Tacoma over the same period.

Pasco, WA

+-1.5%

$138,324 (2024) → $136,228 (2025)

Tacoma, WA

+-7.7%

$143,585 (2024) → $132,473 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays actuarys more: Pasco or Tacoma?

Pasco has a higher median actuary salary at $140,587/year, compared to Tacoma at $136,712/year — a difference of $3,875 (2.83%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Pasco and Tacoma?

Pasco actuarys earn $67.59/hr while Tacoma hygienists earn $65.73/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Pasco to Tacoma as a actuary?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Pasco and Tacoma. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Pasco = $130,900, Tacoma = $127,292), job availability (18 vs 56 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level actuarys earn in Pasco vs Tacoma?

Entry-level (10th percentile) actuarys earn $87,857 in Pasco and $80,767 in Tacoma. The Pasco area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Patel, ASA, MAAAData verified by Aisha Khan, FSA, CERA

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