Senior Actuary Salary in Lakewood, WA: $220,669 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Lakewood, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $220,669/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Lakewood's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $205,465 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 Lakewood, Washington, experienced actuaries can anticipate a median annual salary of $142,367 in 2026, with the potential to earn as much as $220,669 for the top 10% of earners. The significant gap between this top-tier compensation and the median reflects the value placed on extensive experience and advanced skills in the profession. To attain these impressive figures, actuaries often need a combination of specialized knowledge, such as in predictive analytics or enterprise risk management, as well as multiple credentials obtained through rigorous examination processes. Senior actuaries in Lakewood are increasingly sought after, as their expertise significantly exceeds that of less experienced counterparts, making them key players in driving organizational success.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Lakewood earn between $182,231 and $220,669 per year (2026 est.). This $138,096 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lakewood median of $142,367 sits 6.12% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Lakewood | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $142,367 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $182,231 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $220,669 | $221,983 |
In Lakewood, 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 Lakewood
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $142,367 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lakewood employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Lakewood command premium compensation, often reaching the $182,231–$220,669 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lakewood metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLakewood ranks #18 of 49 Washington cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $220,669).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Lakewood ($220,669) is 0.91% above the Washington average P90 ($218,679).
2019 BLS Actual
$192,454
2025 BLS Actual
$213,827
2026 Current Est.
$220,669
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $192,454 | Actual |
| 2020 | $194,850 | Actual |
| 2021 | $205,596 | Actual |
| 2022 | $198,121 | Actual |
| 2023 | $208,071 | Actual |
| 2024 | $217,116 | Actual |
| 2025 | $213,827 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $220,669 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $227,731 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Lakewood saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $192,454 in 2019 to $213,827 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 $227,731 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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 Lakewood
When examining senior actuary pay in WA, it's evident that specializations significantly influence compensation levels. Areas such as life and annuity, health, and property & casualty (P&C) insurance tend to command higher salaries, especially among leading firms like Prudential and Cigna. Additionally, roles in consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer can offer premium pay for those with Fellowship designations, reflecting the industry's demand for advanced actuarial credentials. As actuaries progress from entry-level analyst positions to managing actuary or chief actuary roles, their earnings tend to reflect their growing responsibilities. Advanced certifications, such as ASA and FSA, provide clear pathways for promotion and compensation increases, enhancing their marketability. In this evolving landscape, actuaries with data science skills are increasingly at an advantage, further highlighting the need for ongoing professional development and specialization to optimize earning potential in the competitive job market of Lakewood.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Lakewood in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Lakewood?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Lakewood?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Lakewood?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Lakewood?
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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 $213,827 for actuaries in the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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