Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Des Moines, WA: $88,035 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Des Moines, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $88,035 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,969 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($142,757) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates seeking to embark on a career in actuarial science in Des Moines, WA, should be prepared for an entry-level actuary salary starting at $88,035 in 2026. While this figure may seem modest compared to the median annual salary of $142,757 for the city, it provides a clear pathway for growth. Over the initial years, many new grads can expect their earnings to rise to the P25 threshold of $107,596, reflecting a solid trajectory of advancement as they gain experience and establish their positions. Moreover, with a projected annual growth rate of 3.20%, the Des Moines market proves to be a reasonable choice for new talent, promising a stable and increasingly rewarding career in the field of actuarial science.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Moines
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 Des Moines
Entry-level actuarys in Des Moines, WA typically start between $88,035 and $107,596 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $133,238 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $142,757 — 6.41% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Washington of $60,000 represents just 68.15% of the starting actuary pay ($88,035/year) in Des Moines. 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 Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $88,035 to $107,596, 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 Des Moines, 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 Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines'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 Des Moines is $133,238 ( 151.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $88,035, experienced hygienists can earn up to $221,273.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$70,420
2025 BLS Actual
$85,305
2026 Current Est.
$88,035
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,420 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,690 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,683 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,911 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,842 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,727 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,305 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,035 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,852 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, WA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $70,420 in 2019 to $85,305 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $90,852. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
In Des Moines, several prominent employers actively recruit new grads, particularly large life insurance firms such as Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual, which often engage with actuarial students through structured programs that facilitate exam preparation. Health insurance companies also hire entry-level positions, while consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer seek to attract candidates with the Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) designation, usually offering higher base salaries. Achieving credentials is vital in boosting starting pay, as holding a bachelor's degree in related fields and passing actuarial exams increases earning potential significantly. For every exam passed on the way to attaining the ASA or moving further to the Fellowship (FSA), actuaries can expect an increase ranging from $3,000 to $8,000 in salary. New actuaries in Des Moines should strategically focus on exam progression, as this is crucial for salary advancement during their first few years in the profession.
More salary data for Des Moines, 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 Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Moines 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