Actuary Salary in Bellevue, WA: $140,393 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Bellevue, WA earns a median $140,393/year (≈ $67.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Bellevue's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $130,720 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Actuaries in Bellevue, Washington, are poised to earn a competitive median annual salary of $140,393 in 2026. This figure reflects a robust local market distinguished by a pay gradient between consulting firms like Milliman, Mercer, and WTW compared to traditional insurance employers. The salary range extends from $81,428 at the 10th percentile to as high as $217,610 for the 90th percentile. These numbers, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, illustrate Bellevue's positioning as a lucrative hub for actuarial talent. With the market projected to grow at an annual rate of 3.20%, opportunities abound for those seeking to establish their careers in this city.
About the Bellevue Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,428 | $39.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,254 | $48.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,393 | $67.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $179,703 | $86.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $217,610 | $104.62 |
Median Salary Position
4.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bellevue
In Bellevue, WA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $136,182 (2026 est.). At $140,393, the local median is 4.65% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bellevue: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bellevue Actuary Pay Compares
Bellevue median: $140,393/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bellevue Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $144,141 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | +4.65% more |
Actuarys in Bellevue, WA earn a median of $140,393 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.65% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 2.60% below the Washington state average of $144,141.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bellevue has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bellevue, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $140,393 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $130,720 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,384
2025 BLS Actual
$136,040
2026 Current Est.
$140,393
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Bellevue (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,384 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,189 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,286 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,575 | Actual |
| 2024 | $144,589 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,393 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,886 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bellevue metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $113,384 (2019) to $136,040 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,886 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,502 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellevue 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $81,428 – $101,254 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,254 – $140,393 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,393 – $179,703 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $179,703 – $217,610 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Bellevue
With 26 actuaries currently employed in Bellevue, the local market is relatively specialized, offering a handful of positions compared to more extensive metropolitan areas. The cost-of-living index stands at 107.4, which indicates higher living costs; however, the premium salaries for actuaries can counterbalance this impact, potentially enhancing take-home purchasing power. Life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, alongside consulting giants, often provide the highest salaries. The disparity in pay levels stems from several factors, including exam progression—where each completed exam can translate to significant salary increases. Specialty areas such as property and casualty reinsurance typically command greater compensation, especially for those who achieve FSA or FCAS designations. Actuaries looking to maximize their earnings in Bellevue should focus on passing exams and acquiring additional skills in predictive analytics to align with the market’s evolving demands.
More salary data for Bellevue, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $136,040 for actuariesin the Bellevue metropolitan area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bellevue 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