Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Pullman, WA: $89,967 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Pullman, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $89,967 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pullman's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,768 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($138,284) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates stepping into the actuarial field in Pullman, WA, can expect starting salaries aligning with the lower percentiles of the pay scale. For 2026, an entry-level actuary salary in Pullman is projected to be around $89,967. This amount represents a noticeable gap from the city’s median annual salary of $138,284. However, there is a defined growth trajectory for those new in the field, as early-career professionals can potentially progress to the 25th percentile ($107,258) within just a few years. If you are a new grad, Pullman remains a viable market, particularly with its educational backdrop that supports the entry into this rigorous profession.
About the Pullman Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pullman
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 Pullman
Entry-level actuarys in Pullman, WA typically start between $89,967 and $107,258 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $124,373 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $138,284 — 3.07% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Washington of $60,000 represents just 66.69% of the starting actuary pay ($89,967/year) in Pullman. 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 Pullman
- 1Research the Pullman market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $89,967 to $107,258, 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 Pullman, 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 Pullman for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pullman'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 Pullman is $124,373 ( 138.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $89,967, experienced hygienists can earn up to $214,340.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,965
2025 BLS Actual
$87,177
2026 Current Est.
$89,967
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Pullman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,965 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,263 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,621 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,638 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,655 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,177 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,967 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,846 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Pullman, WA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,965 in 2019 to $87,177 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $92,846. New graduates entering the Pullman job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pullman 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 Pullman
Firms in Pullman that actively recruit entry-level actuaries include established life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, as well as local health insurers. These employers often implement structured training programs that emphasize the importance of continuing education and exam preparation. To boost your starting salary in Washington, earning a relevant Bachelor's degree and passing the requisite actuarial exams—affiliated with the SOA for life and health or the CAS for property and casualty—are crucial. The first few years are critical for building a resume that reflects progression through exams, which can add $3,000 to $8,000 to your base salary with each one passed. With consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer offering competitive compensation for associates with a strong actuarial background, those aspiring toward Fellow status should strategically plan their exam timeline. Realistic salary growth expectations in the early years can significantly benefit from such dedication, as predictive analytics and data science competencies become essential in enhancing marketability.
More salary data for Pullman, 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 Pullman. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pullman 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