Senior Actuary Salary in Tacoma, WA: $211,904 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Tacoma, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $211,904/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Tacoma's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $197,304 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
Tacoma offers significant salary potential for experienced actuaries, with the 2026 median annual salary projected at $136,712. The top earners in this region can expect to approach or exceed annual compensation of $211,904, highlighting a clear path to lucrative pay through experience and specialization. The substantial gap between the median and top-tier salaries underscores the rewards available for actuaries who advance into senior roles or develop niche expertise. Achieving such top-tier pay typically requires at least seven years of experience, successful completion of multiple actuarial exams, and often additional credentials like the FSA or FCAS to enhance one's marketability. Tacoma's senior actuary pay is competitive, with a 1.90% edge over the national median of $134,160 for 2026.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tacoma
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Tacoma earn between $174,991 and $211,904 per year (2026 est.). This $131,137 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Tacoma median of $136,712 sits 1.9% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Tacoma | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $136,712 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $174,991 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $211,904 | $221,983 |
In Tacoma, 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 Tacoma
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $136,712 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Tacoma employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Tacoma command premium compensation, often reaching the $174,991–$211,904 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Tacoma metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Tacoma 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 Tacoma
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedTacoma ranks #42 of 49 Washington cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $211,904).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Tacoma ($211,904) is 3.1% below the Washington average P90 ($218,679).
2019 BLS Actual
$184,809
2025 BLS Actual
$205,333
2026 Current Est.
$211,904
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $184,809 | Actual |
| 2020 | $187,110 | Actual |
| 2021 | $197,429 | Actual |
| 2022 | $190,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $199,806 | Actual |
| 2024 | $222,557 | Actual |
| 2025 | $205,333 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $211,904 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $218,685 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Tacoma saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $184,809 in 2019 to $205,333 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 $218,685 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tacoma 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 Tacoma
Compensation for seasoned actuaries in Tacoma varies significantly across different sectors. Areas such as life and annuity, predictive analytics, and enterprise risk management command higher salaries, reflecting the specialized knowledge these fields require. Employers range from established life and health insurers like UnitedHealth and Prudential to reinsurance giants like Munich Re, each offering distinct compensation structures. Consulting firms such as Mercer and Aon tend to pay premium rates for FSAs and FCAS due to the competitive nature of their deliverables. A clear career progression is typical in this profession, allowing actuaries to ascend from actuarial analyst roles to chief actuaries or consulting practice leaders. Advanced credentials not only enhance salary potential but integrate an exam completion progression which can yield additional pay increments with each step. Non-salary compensation factors such as study time packages and signing bonuses for credential achievements further augment the overall value of senior actuary roles in Tacoma, WA.
More salary data for Tacoma, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Tacoma in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Tacoma?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Tacoma?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Tacoma?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Tacoma?
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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 $205,333 for actuaries in the Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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