Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Pasco, WA: $87,857 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Pasco, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $87,857 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pasco's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,804 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($140,587) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates eyeing a career as an actuary in Pasco, Washington, the starting salary is projected to be around $87,857 in 2026. This figure represents a significant starting point, particularly when compared to Pasco's median annual salary of $140,587 for actuaries. As professionals advance through their careers, they can expect steady growth in salary, with entry-level positions typically progressing to around $106,749 by the 25th percentile within the first few years. Given the city's positive job outlook and the projected growth rate of 3.20% annually, Pasco presents a promising market for new actuary hires. Graduates should feel optimistic about their entry into the field, especially considering the higher salaries compared to many other regions in Washington.
About the Pasco Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pasco
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 Pasco
Entry-level actuarys in Pasco, WA typically start between $87,857 and $106,749 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $130,053 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $140,587 — 4.79% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Washington of $60,000 represents just 68.29% of the starting actuary pay ($87,857/year) in Pasco. 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 Pasco
- 1Research the Pasco market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $87,857 to $106,749, 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 Pasco, 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 Pasco for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pasco'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 Pasco is $130,053 ( 148.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $87,857, experienced hygienists can earn up to $217,910.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$70,278
2025 BLS Actual
$85,133
2026 Current Est.
$87,857
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Pasco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,278 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,546 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,544 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,754 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,677 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,592 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,133 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,857 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,669 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Pasco, WA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $70,278 in 2019 to $85,133 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $90,669. New graduates entering the Pasco job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasco 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 Pasco
When considering the local job market, large life insurers such as Prudential and MetLife, as well as health insurance companies, actively seek new actuary graduates. These organizations often have established pathways for early-career professionals, including structured study time for actuarial exams, which is vital for salary growth. Entry-level actuaries with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science will find that passing foundational exams significantly enhances their earning potential. Credentials like the Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) can boost starting pay, while continued education toward a Fellow (FSA) designation can lead to higher earnings in consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer, which typically offer inflated bases for candidates with advanced qualifications. Realistically, those in their first few years may anticipate annual increases of several thousand dollars per year tied to exam completions, where each passed exam generally adds between $3,000 and $8,000 to their base salary. This progressive compensation framework means that diligent exam preparation is essential for maximizing earning potential and securing a strong foothold in the industry.
More salary data for Pasco, 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 Pasco. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pasco 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