Actuary Salary in Olympia, WA: $142,715 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Olympia, WA earns a median $142,715/year (≈ $68.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Olympia's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $132,882 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Olympia, Washington, the landscape for actuaries is notably lucrative, with the 2026 median annual salary projected at $142,715, surpassing the national median of $134,160 by approximately 6.38%. The salary range for actuaries in the region spans from $82,775 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $221,209 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, reflect a competitive pay gradient between consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer versus traditional insurance companies. Actuaries in Olympia are positioned well within the consulting environment, where specialized expertise often results in more substantial compensation packages compared to those available in insurer roles.
About the Olympia Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,775 | $39.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,927 | $53.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $142,715 | $68.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $182,675 | $87.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $221,209 | $106.35 |
Median Salary Position
6.38% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Olympia
In Olympia, WA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $138,434 (2026 est.). At $142,715, the local median is 6.38% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Olympia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Olympia Actuary Pay Compares
Olympia median: $142,715/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Olympia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $144,157 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | +6.38% more |
Actuarys in Olympia, WA earn a median of $142,715 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.38% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 1.00% below the Washington state average of $144,157.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Olympia has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Olympia, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $142,715 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $132,882 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,259
2025 BLS Actual
$138,290
2026 Current Est.
$142,715
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Olympia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,259 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,110 | Actual |
| 2021 | $112,653 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,259 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $140,418 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,715 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,282 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Olympia metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $115,259 (2019) to $138,290 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $147,282 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,023 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Olympia 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $82,775 – $110,927 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,927 – $142,715 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $142,715 – $182,675 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $182,675 – $221,209 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Olympia
The actuary job market in Olympia features a modest cohort of 13 professionals employed, which highlights both the niche size and potential opportunities for growth. With a cost of living index of 107.4, individuals must consider how everyday expenses influence take-home pay. Among the local employers, consulting firms tend to lead in compensation, followed closely by life insurance and health insurance providers, particularly for professionals who have attained Fellowship status. The variance in salaries is significantly driven by qualifications — each passed exam can increase compensation by $3,000 to $8,000. Furthermore, those aiming for the highest pay must focus on progressing through the ASA to FSA pathway, keeping in mind that certain specialties in property and casualty reinsurance or consulting yield higher salaries than others in health or pension sectors. Strategically targeting firms that value advanced credentials and experience, along with honing skills in predictive analytics, will be key to maximizing actuary pay in Olympia, WA.
More salary data for Olympia, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $138,290 for actuariesin the Olympia metropolitan area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Olympia 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