Senior Actuary Salary in Bellevue, WA: $217,610 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Bellevue, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $217,610/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Bellevue's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $202,616 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the potential for senior actuaries in Bellevue, Washington, is quite substantial, with top-tier salaries reaching as high as $217,610 for the 90th percentile. This figure substantially exceeds the national top actuarial earnings, signaling the attractiveness of Bellevue as a prime location for experienced professionals in this field. The median annual salary of $140,393 reflects the rewarding career landscape in Bellevue, illustrating a significant experience premium that separates top earners from those at the median. Attaining these high salaries often requires substantial experience, advanced certifications, and demonstrated expertise in specialized areas such as predictive analytics or reinsurance pricing.
About the Bellevue Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bellevue
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Bellevue earn between $179,703 and $217,610 per year (2026 est.). This $136,182 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bellevue median of $140,393 sits 4.65% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Bellevue | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $140,393 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,703 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $217,610 | $221,983 |
In Bellevue, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Bellevue
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $140,393 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bellevue employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Bellevue command premium compensation, often reaching the $179,703–$217,610 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bellevue metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Bellevue with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Actuaries in Washington who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Actuary Career & Wage Growth Path in Bellevue
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBellevue ranks #27 of 49 Washington cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $217,610).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Bellevue ($217,610) is 0.49% below the Washington average P90 ($218,679).
2019 BLS Actual
$189,786
2025 BLS Actual
$210,862
2026 Current Est.
$217,610
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
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 | $189,786 | Actual |
| 2020 | $192,148 | Actual |
| 2021 | $202,745 | Actual |
| 2022 | $195,373 | Actual |
| 2023 | $205,186 | Actual |
| 2024 | $224,113 | Actual |
| 2025 | $210,862 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $217,610 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $224,573 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Bellevue saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $189,786 in 2019 to $210,862 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.20% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $224,573 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Actuary Earnings in Bellevue
A strong demand for skilled actuaries in Bellevue means that senior professionals can command premium pay across various sectors, including life insurance, health care, and property & casualty. Life and annuity specialists often see distinct compensation benefits, especially within prominent firms like Prudential and UnitedHealth. Additionally, consulting firms such as Mercer and Aon are known for their competitive compensation packages for FSAs and FCAS, reflecting a consulting salary gradient that often exceeds those of insurers. Progressing through actuarial exams—from ASA to FSA or FCAS—not only enhances one’s marketability but can also translate to substantial salary increases, with each passed exam typically adding between $3,000 and $8,000 to an actuary’s base pay. Advanced credentials and specializations significantly influence salaries, alongside benefits such as study time support and signing bonuses for credential completion, making the pursuit of further education and professional growth a wise investment for actuaries in WA.
More salary data for Bellevue, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Bellevue in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Bellevue?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Bellevue?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Bellevue?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Bellevue?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $210,862 for actuaries in the Bellevue metro area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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