Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Bothell, WA: $91,374 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Bothell, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $91,374 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bothell's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,078 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($138,899) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates eager to enter the actuarial field, Bothell, Washington presents a promising opportunity. The anticipated starting actuary salary in the city for 2026 is projected at $91,374, which, while significantly lower than the overall median annual salary of $138,899, provides a solid foundation for career growth. For those beginning their journey, it is essential to recognize that the salary typically increases as experience is gained, with potential earnings reaching around $108,480 as they move into the 25th percentile in the first few years. Given the city's competitive salary offerings and a projected annual growth rate of 3.20%, Bothell can be considered a favorable market for new grads entering the profession.
About the Bothell Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bothell
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 Bothell
Entry-level actuarys in Bothell, WA typically start between $91,374 and $108,480 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $123,920 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $138,899 — 3.53% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Washington of $60,000 represents just 65.66% of the starting actuary pay ($91,374/year) in Bothell. 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 Bothell
- 1Research the Bothell market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $91,374 to $108,480, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bothell, 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 Bothell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bothell'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 Bothell is $123,920 ( 135.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $91,374, experienced hygienists can earn up to $215,294.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$73,091
2025 BLS Actual
$88,541
2026 Current Est.
$91,374
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Bothell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,091 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,410 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,288 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,867 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,946 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,036 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,541 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,374 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,298 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Bothell, WA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $73,091 in 2019 to $88,541 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $94,298. New graduates entering the Bothell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bothell 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 Bothell
Companies in Bothell seeking to hire entry-level actuaries include major life insurance providers such as Prudential and MetLife, which actively recruit from universities through structured programs that support exam preparation and study time. Health insurers and well-regarded consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer also offer promising starting positions for actuarial students. New grads should focus on obtaining a bachelor's degree in related fields such as math or finance, passing the Society of Actuaries (SOA) exams, and earning Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) credits to boost their starting salaries. Achieving an Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) credential typically occurs after 4-5 years and numerous examinations, while the path to becoming a Fellow (FSA) demands 7-10 years of experience and additional qualifications. Entry-level actuaries can anticipate salary enhancements of approximately $3,000 to $8,000 with each passed exam, making continued education and exam success vital strategies for career advancement in Bothell's competitive job market.
More salary data for Bothell, 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
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 Bothell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bothell 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