Senior Actuary Salary in University Place, WA: $219,019 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in University Place, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $219,019/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back University Place's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $203,928 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 the competitive field of actuarial science, the upper tier of the salary spectrum in University Place, Washington is notably lucrative for experienced professionals. With median annual compensation projected at $141,302 in 2026, seasoned actuaries can expect to see their earnings significantly increase as they gain expertise and certifications. The top earners can command as much as $219,019, dramatically surpassing the national average of $134,160 for the same year, showcasing a substantial experience premium. Achieving these high pay levels mandates a strategic combination of advanced credentials such as FSA or FCAS, specialized knowledge in high-demand areas like enterprise risk management and predictive analytics, and a solid track record in relevant roles.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Place
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in University Place earn between $179,230 and $219,019 per year (2026 est.). This $133,709 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The University Place median of $141,302 sits 5.32% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | University Place | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $141,302 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,230 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $219,019 | $221,983 |
In University Place, 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 University Place
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $141,302 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by University Place employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in University Place command premium compensation, often reaching the $179,230–$219,019 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the University Place metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in University Place 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 University Place
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedUniversity Place ranks #22 of 49 Washington cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $219,019).
Top 10% actuary compensation in University Place ($219,019) is 0.16% above the Washington average P90 ($218,679).
2019 BLS Actual
$191,015
2025 BLS Actual
$212,228
2026 Current Est.
$219,019
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $191,015 | Actual |
| 2020 | $193,393 | Actual |
| 2021 | $204,059 | Actual |
| 2022 | $196,639 | Actual |
| 2023 | $206,515 | Actual |
| 2024 | $215,493 | Actual |
| 2025 | $212,228 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $219,019 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $226,028 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in University Place saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $191,015 in 2019 to $212,228 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 $226,028 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place 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 University Place
Compensation strategies for senior-level actuaries vary considerably based on the employer type. Those working for life and annuity firms, such as Prudential and MetLife, or health insurance providers like UnitedHealth may experience different pay scales compared to actuaries in consulting firms or property & casualty insurers like State Farm and Allstate. Specializations such as capital modeling and reinsurance pricing often command higher salaries, with actuaries able to leverage their advanced competencies for substantial financial rewards. Following the ASA-to-FSA certification pathway can further enhance earning potential, especially with the increasing demand for predictive analytics and data science skills among leading firms. Non-salary perks, including study time benefits and signing bonuses linked to exam completion, also contribute to overall compensation, making the senior actuary pay landscape in WA particularly attractive for adept professionals aiming to reach the pinnacle of their careers.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in University Place in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in University Place?
What certifications boost actuary salary in University Place?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in University Place?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in University Place?
Related Pages
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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 $212,228 for actuaries in the University Place 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 University Place 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