Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Lynnwood, WA: $92,076 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Lynnwood, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $92,076 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lynnwood's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,732 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($139,267) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those embarking on an actuary career in Lynnwood, WA, can expect starting salaries around $92,076. While this entry-level figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $139,267, it offers a solid foundation for new graduates. As they gain experience, one can anticipate moving through the salary progression, potentially reaching $109,216 with a few years of service, and ultimately working toward the median as their careers advance. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.20%, the current market in Lynnwood provides an encouraging environment for aspiring actuaries. Given the competitive pay rates and promising trajectory, it is an opportune time for recent graduates to enter the field.
About the Lynnwood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lynnwood
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 Lynnwood
Entry-level actuarys in Lynnwood, WA typically start between $92,076 and $109,216 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $123,788 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $139,267 — 3.81% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Washington of $60,000 represents just 65.16% of the starting actuary pay ($92,076/year) in Lynnwood. 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 Lynnwood
- 1Research the Lynnwood market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $92,076 to $109,216, 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 Lynnwood, 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 Lynnwood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lynnwood'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 Lynnwood is $123,788 ( 134.44%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $92,076, experienced hygienists can earn up to $215,864.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$73,652
2025 BLS Actual
$89,221
2026 Current Est.
$92,076
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Lynnwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,652 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,981 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,836 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,488 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,599 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,725 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,221 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,076 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,023 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Lynnwood, WA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $73,652 in 2019 to $89,221 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $95,023. New graduates entering the Lynnwood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lynnwood 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 Lynnwood
In Lynnwood, key employers actively seeking entry-level actuaries include large life insurance firms like Prudential and MetLife, as well as consulting giants such as Milliman and Mercer. These companies often target actuarial candidates through university recruitment, offering structured paths for exam preparation, which can significantly boost starting actuary salary in Lynnwood. Graduates with a Bachelor’s in math, statistics, or actuarial science, who also pass early actuarial exams, gain a competitive edge. Achieving an Associate (ASA) designation, which typically requires 4-5 years of work and several exams, is a solid career strategy that can result in salary increases of $3,000 to $8,000 per passed exam. Those aspiring to elevate their careers should also consider gaining skills in predictive analytics and data science, as these competencies are increasingly demanded in the field. Realistically, entry-level actuaries can expect gradual salary growth over the first few years, as they build credentials and expertise.
More salary data for Lynnwood, 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 Lynnwood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lynnwood 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