Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Kent, WA: $88,756 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Kent, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $88,756 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kent's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,641 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($143,835) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kent, Washington, new graduates entering the actuarial field can expect to start with an annual salary around $88,756. While this starting figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum, it's essential to understand that over the first three to five years, entry-level professionals can see their pay improve significantly, aligning closer to the median annual salary of $143,835. The gap between these figures highlights the growth potential in the market. As early-career actuaries build their experience and credentials, growth can take them from that initial $88,756 all the way toward the $108,617 mark at the 25th percentile, putting them on a robust trajectory toward achieving the median and beyond. Given the 3.20% projected annual growth rate, Kent's job market presents a favorable opportunity for newly minted actuarial graduates.
About the Kent Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kent
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 Kent
Entry-level actuarys in Kent, WA typically start between $88,756 and $108,617 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $134,188 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $143,835 — 7.21% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Washington of $60,000 represents just 67.60% of the starting actuary pay ($88,756/year) in Kent. 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 Kent
- 1Research the Kent market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $88,756 to $108,617, 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 Kent, 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 Kent for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kent'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 Kent is $134,188 ( 151.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $88,756, experienced hygienists can earn up to $222,944.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$70,997
2025 BLS Actual
$86,004
2026 Current Est.
$88,756
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,997 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,278 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,245 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,550 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,512 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,474 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,004 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,756 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,596 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Kent, WA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $70,997 in 2019 to $86,004 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $91,596. New graduates entering the Kent job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kent 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 Kent
A range of employers in Kent actively seek new grads in this profession, making the area attractive for those early in their careers. Large life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, along with health insurers, are known to recruit entry-level actuaries and provide structured exam study time to support exam progression. Additionally, consulting firms such as Milliman and Aon are especially keen to hire candidates who have begun to earn their ASA designation, often offering higher starting salaries for those who are ASA-credentialed. To maximize earning potential, new professionals should aim to complete their bachelor’s degree in relevant fields, pass initial actuarial exams, and seek VEE credits in economics and accounting. With exam progression as a primary driver of wage increases—where passing an exam can add between $3,000 and $8,000—new actuaries can realistically expect their salaries to increase significantly within their first three years in this dynamic market. Continuing education and specializing in predictive analytics or data science also enhances one’s marketability.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Kent in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Kent?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Kent?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Kent?
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 Kent. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kent 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