Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Kennewick, WA: $82,911 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Kennewick, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,911 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kennewick's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,198 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($142,950) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kennewick, Washington, aspiring actuaries can expect to enter the job market with salaries starting around $82,911 in 2026. This entry-level pay represents a significant gap from the city’s median annual salary of $142,950, highlighting the potential for career growth as new hires acclimate to the role. Over the first few years in the profession, entry-level actuaries in Kennewick could see their earnings rise as they gain experience and progress toward the 25th percentile earning of $111,383. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.20%, Kennewick appears to be a favorable location for recent grads to embark on their actuarial careers, offering a supportive environment for early-career professionals.
About the Kennewick Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kennewick
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 Kennewick
Entry-level actuarys in Kennewick, WA typically start between $82,911 and $111,383 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $138,660 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $142,950 — 6.55% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Washington of $60,000 represents just 72.37% of the starting actuary pay ($82,911/year) in Kennewick. 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 Kennewick
- 1Research the Kennewick market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $82,911 to $111,383, 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 Kennewick, 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 Kennewick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kennewick'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 Kennewick is $138,660 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,911, experienced hygienists can earn up to $221,571.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,321
2025 BLS Actual
$80,340
2026 Current Est.
$82,911
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Kennewick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,321 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,518 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,685 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,377 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,078 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,576 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,911 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,564 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Kennewick, WA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,321 in 2019 to $80,340 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,564. New graduates entering the Kennewick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kennewick 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 Kennewick
Actuaries looking to secure their first positions will find that major employers in Kennewick include large life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, which actively recruit new graduates through structured programs and enhance their exam study opportunities. Additionally, health insurers and consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer often seek entry-level actuaries, particularly those with ASA credentials. Graduates with backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science can further boost their earning potential by passing important actuarial exams and acquiring VEE credits in economics or accounting. The first few years are crucial, as advancement is tied closely to exam completion—each passed exam can add $3,000 to $8,000 to an actuary's base salary. For those committed to becoming FSAs or FCAS, the investment of time and effort in this exam progression can lead to higher salaries, especially in consulting roles where analytical skills are in high demand.
More salary data for Kennewick, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Kennewick in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Kennewick?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Kennewick?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Kennewick?
How do I become a actuary in Washington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Kennewick. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kennewick 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