Actuary Hourly Pay in Washington, DC: $71.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a actuary working in Washington, DC runs $71.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $149,310 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Weighted against Washington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.9, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,589 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Washington, DC, the median hourly pay for actuaries stands at $71.79, notably exceeding the national median of $64.50. This competitive pay reflects the city's robust demand for actuarial expertise across various sectors, including insurance companies, consulting firms, and pension management. For part-time actuaries working three days a week, they could expect to earn approximately $51,000 annually, making it a viable option for those seeking flexibility in their careers. The hourly range for actuaries varies significantly, from $43.50 at entry-level positions to $102.94 for top earners who often possess specialized skills or credentials. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, indicating the strong growth trajectory expected in the actuarial profession within the region.
Actuary Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43.50 | $347.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.66 | $445.25 |
| Median (P50) | $71.79 | $574.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.04 | $680.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.94 | $823.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Washington
Based on $71.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.79/hr, a actuary working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Washington, DC can expect to earn approximately $149,315 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,143. With a cost-of-living index of 108.88 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Washington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Washington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,871.44 | $12,443 | $149,315 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,722.86 | $7,466 | $89,589 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,148.57 | $4,977 | $59,726 |
Compare ASA, FSA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Actuary (Washington) | $71.79 |
| Statistician (National Avg) | $51.53 |
| Mathematician (National Avg) | $56.16 |
| Financial Analyst (National Avg) | $47.61 |
| Data Scientist (National Avg) | $54.40 |
Actuarys in Washington, DC earn a median of $149,310 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.29% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 4.90% below the District of Columbia state average of $157,003.
Actuary Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.79/hr = $89,589/year (purchasing power: $82,279).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $149,315/year (purchasing power: $137,132).
CoL index: 108.884 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Actuaries in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for actuaries in Washington grew 33.9% from $51.96/hr (2019) to $69.56/hr (2025). At a 3.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.08/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem actuaries can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Washington 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.
Working as an Hourly Actuary in Washington
For actuaries considering part-time roles, the 2026 projections suggest a moderate but predictable income. Working 24 hours a week can yield a solid annual income while allowing for balance with personal commitments. Per-diem actuarial work is less common for junior level professionals, but those who achieve Fellowship status (FSA or FCAS) often find their expertise is in high demand, enabling them to command hourly rates from $250 to $500 for consulting engagements. Notably, expert witness testimony in insurance or pension litigation can see hourly pay range from $400 to $800, showcasing the potential for significant earnings in specialized roles. It’s also essential to consider how the type of employer influences compensation; for example, life and health insurance companies may offer lower hourly rates than consulting firms, which typically pay a premium for FSAs/FCAS. When negotiating hourly pay in Washington, it’s advantageous to be clear about skill sets and certifications, as these can substantially impact earning potential.
More salary data for Washington, DC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for actuaries in Washington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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