Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Kenmore, WA: $88,773 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Kenmore, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $88,773 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kenmore's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,656 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($135,275) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the actuarial field in Kenmore, Washington can expect a starting salary of approximately $88,773. While this figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $135,275, it’s important for newcomers to understand the growth potential. Over the first few years, as entry-level actuaries advance in their careers and gain experience, they could see their salaries climb toward the second quartile figure of $105,098. This trajectory reflects the expanding opportunities for new grads in Kenmore, which is increasingly becoming a favorable market for actuarial candidates.
About the Kenmore Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kenmore
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 Kenmore
Entry-level actuarys in Kenmore, WA typically start between $88,773 and $105,098 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $120,903 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $135,275 — 0.83% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Washington of $60,000 represents just 67.59% of the starting actuary pay ($88,773/year) in Kenmore. 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 Kenmore
- 1Research the Kenmore market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $88,773 to $105,098, 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 Kenmore, 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 Kenmore for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kenmore'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 Kenmore is $120,903 ( 136.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $88,773, experienced hygienists can earn up to $209,676.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,010
2025 BLS Actual
$86,020
2026 Current Est.
$88,773
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Kenmore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,291 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,258 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,564 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,528 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,473 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,773 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,613 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Kenmore, WA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,010 in 2019 to $86,020 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $91,613. New graduates entering the Kenmore job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenmore 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 Kenmore
Employers in the Kenmore area typically include large life insurance companies, health insurers, and consulting firms, which actively recruit new graduates from actuarial programs. Companies like Prudential, MetLife, and Mercer often provide structured training and exam support, vital for those pursuing credentials through the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). To increase their starting pay in Washington, candidates should focus on obtaining their bachelor’s degrees in relevant fields and work toward passing actuarial exams early in their careers. With each exam passed adding $3,000 to $8,000 in base salary, aspiring actuaries have a clear incentive to progress through the ASA credentialing path, which can significantly enhance their value in the job market. Realistically, actuaries in Kenmore can expect their pay to rise steadily in the early years, especially if they cultivate skills in predictive analytics and data science, which are becoming increasingly sought after by potential employers.
More salary data for Kenmore, 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 Kenmore. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kenmore 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