Senior Actuary Salary in Burien, WA: $222,297 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Burien, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $222,297/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Burien's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $206,980 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
Strong compensation opportunities exist for senior actuaries in Burien, WA, where the 2026 median annual salary is projected to be $143,417. Top earners, who represent the 90th percentile, can expect to bring home an impressive $222,297, which reflects the substantial experience premium professionals earn as they advance in their careers. The difference between the median and this top-tier figure highlights the rewards of specialized skills combined with extensive experience in the field. Professionals looking to reach these elevated salary brackets typically commit to rigorous education paths, advance through multiple exams, and often attain multiple actuarial designations that distinguish them in the competitive marketplace.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burien
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Burien earn between $183,574 and $222,297 per year (2026 est.). This $132,305 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burien median of $143,417 sits 6.9% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Burien | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $143,417 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $183,574 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $222,297 | $221,983 |
In Burien, 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 Burien
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $143,417 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burien employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Burien command premium compensation, often reaching the $183,574–$222,297 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burien metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Burien 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 Burien
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurien ranks #12 of 49 Washington cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $222,297).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Burien ($222,297) is 1.65% above the Washington average P90 ($218,679).
2019 BLS Actual
$193,874
2025 BLS Actual
$215,404
2026 Current Est.
$222,297
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $193,874 | Actual |
| 2020 | $196,287 | Actual |
| 2021 | $207,112 | Actual |
| 2022 | $199,582 | Actual |
| 2023 | $209,606 | Actual |
| 2024 | $218,717 | Actual |
| 2025 | $215,404 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $222,297 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $229,410 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Burien saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $193,874 in 2019 to $215,404 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 $229,410 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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 Burien
Compensation for senior actuaries in Burien is strongly influenced by specialization and employer type. Those working in complex fields such as predictive analytics, enterprise risk management, or capital modeling tend to command higher pay. Additionally, actuaries at consulting firms, where FSA/FCAS credentials are highly valued, may see a compensation edge over their counterparts in insurance companies. Organizations like Prudential and UnitedHealth regularly attract top talent with competitive pay and benefits tailored to support exam progression and continuing education. The journey from actuarial analyst to chief actuary involves strategic advancement; pursuing designations such as ASA and FSA signifies a commitment to the profession and typically results in significant salary increments. Advanced credentials like these, coupled with emerging skills in data science, represent vital components of maximizing senior actuary pay in WA, fostering an environment where top talent thrives.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Burien in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Burien?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Burien?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Burien?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Burien?
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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 $215,404 for actuaries in the Burien 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 Burien 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