Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Washington, UT: $75,182 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Washington, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,182 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Washington's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,638 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($127,851) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the actuarial profession, expectations for the entry-level actuary salary in Washington, Utah, look promising, with starting salaries projected at $75,182 in 2026. This amount represents a significant gap from the median salary of $127,851, but it’s important for new graduates to understand the growth trajectory one can expect. As entry-level professionals gain experience and credentials, their salaries could grow to approximately $101,048 within a few years, bridging the gap toward the city’s median. Given that Washington is anticipated to enjoy a 3.20% annual growth rate over the next five years, it creates a favorable environment for new actuaries looking to establish their careers in the area.
About the Washington Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Washington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Washington
Entry-level actuarys in Washington, UT typically start between $75,182 and $101,048 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $122,988 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $127,851 — 4.7% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Utah of $45,000 represents just 59.85% of the starting actuary pay ($75,182/year) in Washington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover bachelor's degree tuition at public and private universities, plus estimated actuarial exam fees and study materials. Employers often cover exam costs once employed.
ASA, FSA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Washington
- 1Research the Washington market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $75,182 to $101,048, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the actuarial science field — employers in UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Washington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Washington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Washington's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Washington is $122,988 ( 163.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,182, experienced hygienists can earn up to $198,170.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,139
2025 BLS Actual
$72,851
2026 Current Est.
$75,182
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,139 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,224 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,655 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,537 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,893 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,851 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,182 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,588 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Washington, UT grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,139 in 2019 to $72,851 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,588. New graduates entering the Washington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Washington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your actuarial science Career in Washington
Employers in Washington increasingly seek out recent graduates from actuarial programs, with large life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife actively recruiting through campus pipelines. Health insurers, along with consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer, also hire entry-level actuaries, particularly those with the Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) designation. To enhance starting pay in this market, candidates should pursue relevant educational backgrounds, including degrees in mathematics or actuarial science, and focus on passing actuarial exams. Each exam passed can lead to base salary increases of $3,000 to $8,000, making exam progression a key strategy early in one’s career. With the demand for professionals skilled in predictive analytics and data science on the rise, new graduates can expect their pay to increase significantly over their first few years, especially for those who achieve their Fellowship within the first decade.
More salary data for Washington, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Washington in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Washington?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Washington?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Washington?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new actuarial science graduates. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Washington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Washington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for actuarys (SOC 15-2011).
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov