Entry-Level Actuary Salary in University Place, WA: $85,310 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the University Place, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,310 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out University Place's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,432 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,302) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Projected entry-level actuary salaries in University Place, Washington, are expected to start around $85,310 in 2026. This figure reflects the lower end of the salary range for new graduates, showing a gap between the starting pay and the city’s median annual salary of $141,302. Over the first few years, early-career actuaries can anticipate a trajectory that demonstrates growth, moving from the P10 to the P25 salary figure of $104,710 within a short period. With a favorable local job market and a steady demand for actuarial services, University Place can be an attractive environment for new graduates looking to kick-start their careers in this profession.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in University Place
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 University Place
Entry-level actuarys in University Place, WA typically start between $85,310 and $104,710 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $133,709 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,302 — 5.32% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Washington of $60,000 represents just 70.33% of the starting actuary pay ($85,310/year) in University Place. 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 University Place
- 1Research the University Place market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $85,310 to $104,710, 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 University Place, 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 University Place for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5University Place'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 University Place is $133,709 ( 156.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,310, experienced hygienists can earn up to $219,019.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,240
2025 BLS Actual
$82,665
2026 Current Est.
$85,310
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,240 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,471 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,557 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,309 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,056 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,665 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,310 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,040 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in University Place, WA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,240 in 2019 to $82,665 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,040. New graduates entering the University Place job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place 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 University Place
In University Place, various employers actively seek out new graduates, particularly large life insurers like Prudential and MetLife, which often have structured recruitment programs and provide exam study time. Consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer also recruit entry-level actuaries who have obtained their ASA credentials, offering higher base salaries. To enhance starting pay in Washington, candidates should focus on obtaining relevant degrees in math, statistics, or actuarial science, as well as passing the necessary actuarial exams offered by the SOA or CAS. The compensation landscape for early-career actuaries largely hinges on continued education and exam progression, where each exam passed can add $3,000 to $8,000 to the base salary. Therefore, new graduates can realistically expect their salaries to grow steadily during their first few years in the profession, aligning with the increasing need for skills in predictive analytics and data science in the industry.
More salary data for University Place, 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 University Place. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for University Place 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