Seattle vs Tacoma: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Seattle, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,031▲ | $136,712 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.84▲ | $65.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,153▲ | $80,767 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,472▲ | $100,946 |
| 75th Percentile | $182,365▲ | $174,991 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $216,658▲ | $211,904 |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 56 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tacoma.
The salary gap between Seattle and Tacoma is $2,319 (1.70%). Seattle's median is +3.63% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $128,505,Tacoma spans $131,137. Tacoma 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, Tacoma ($127,292 effective) pays 1.75% 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 Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,031/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($216,658)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,292)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Seattle grew 1.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.7% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$132,560 (2019) → $134,720 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$143,585 (2024) → $132,473 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Seattle or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Tacoma?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Tacoma as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Seattle vs Tacoma?
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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