Senior Actuary Salary in Lake Stevens, WA: $216,004 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Lake Stevens, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $216,004/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Lake Stevens's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $201,121 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 Lake Stevens, WA, senior actuaries with over seven years of experience have a promising financial outlook, with the top earners poised to make a significant $216,004 in 2026. This upper tier reflects the potential gap between the median annual salary of $139,357 and the apex compensation that can be achieved in the area. When examining the P90 threshold, Lake Stevens demonstrates a competitive advantage, surpassing the national figure of $134,160 by approximately 3.87%. To reach these top-tier salaries, professionals typically engage in a demanding pathway that includes the pursuit of fellowships and specialization in lucrative sectors of the actuarial field, distinguishing themselves from peers by striving for excellence and advanced credentials.
About the Lake Stevens Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Stevens
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Lake Stevens earn between $177,263 and $216,004 per year (2026 est.). This $124,162 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lake Stevens median of $139,357 sits 3.87% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Lake Stevens | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $139,357 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,263 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $216,004 | $221,983 |
In Lake Stevens, 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 Lake Stevens
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $139,357 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lake Stevens employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Lake Stevens command premium compensation, often reaching the $177,263–$216,004 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lake Stevens metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLake Stevens ranks #31 of 49 Washington cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $216,004).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Lake Stevens ($216,004) is 1.22% below the Washington average P90 ($218,679).
2019 BLS Actual
$188,385
2025 BLS Actual
$209,306
2026 Current Est.
$216,004
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Lake Stevens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $188,385 | Actual |
| 2020 | $190,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $201,249 | Actual |
| 2022 | $193,932 | Actual |
| 2023 | $203,672 | Actual |
| 2024 | $212,525 | Actual |
| 2025 | $209,306 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $216,004 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $222,916 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Lake Stevens saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $188,385 in 2019 to $209,306 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 $222,916 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens
Looking deeper into the specialized skills that command high compensation in Lake Stevens, actuaries focusing on areas such as life and annuity, enterprise risk management, and predictive analytics can expect to see enhanced annual salaries. Employers range significantly from life insurance giants like Prudential and MetLife to consulting powerhouses such as Mercer and Aon, with pay scales varying by industry. Senior actuaries often progress from actuarial analyst roles to positions like managing actuary or chief actuary, and the pursuit of advanced credentials such as the FSA or FCAS can lead to substantial income boosts. Passing actuarial exams remains a key driver of salary growth, with each completed exam traditionally translating into a $3,000 to $8,000 increase. This dynamic illustrates the importance of continual education and expertise refinement to maximize senior actuary pay in WA, particularly in a market like Lake Stevens that shows nuanced compensation trends.
More salary data for Lake Stevens, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Lake Stevens in 2026?
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Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Lake Stevens?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Lake Stevens?
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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 $209,306 for actuaries in the Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens 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