Salary Levels by Experience
| Experience Level | Salary Range | Est. Annual Net |
|---|---|---|
| Actuarial Analyst (no exams) | $73,000–$89,000 | ~$65,369 |
| Associate Actuary (ASA/ACAS) | $106,000–$149,000 | ~$97,899 |
| Fellow Actuary (FSA/FCAS) | $146,000–$187,000 | ~$124,556 |
| Principal / Chief Actuary | $182,000–$268,000 | ~$166,331 |
Tax Breakdown at $139,000 (Bi-Weekly)
| Component | Per Paycheck | Annual | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Pay | $5,346.15 | $139,000 | 100% |
| Federal Income Tax | −$869.50 | −$22,607 | 16.3% |
| No Washington State Tax 🎉 | $0.00 | $0.00 | 0.0% |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | −$409.00 | −$10,634 | 7.7% |
| Net Take-Home | $4,068 | ~$105,759 | 76.1% |
What Drives Actuary Pay in Seattle
Actuaries in NYC apply statistical and mathematical models to assess risk for insurance companies, pension funds, and financial institutions. The city's dense concentration of major insurers and reinsurers makes it one of the top markets for actuarial talent in the country.
New York's insurance and reinsurance sector — anchored by firms like MetLife, AIG, and Munich Re — drives strong demand for credentialed actuaries. Exam progress is the single biggest lever on pay: each passed exam typically adds $5,000–$10,000 to base salary. Fellows with FSA or FCAS credentials command top-of-market compensation, especially in life, health, or property-casualty specialties.
- Number of actuarial exams passed (ASA vs. FSA/FCAS)
- Specialty: life, health, P&C, or pension
- Consulting vs. in-house insurance role
- Years of post-credential experience
Top Seattle Employers
Major employers hiring actuarys in Seattle include: Washington Federal, HomeStreet Bank, WaFd Bank.
Tax note: At $139,000 in Seattle, actuarys benefit from no Washington state income tax — only federal taxes and FICA apply. This saves roughly $7,000–$13,000 per year compared to working in a high-tax state.
Frequently Asked Questions
A actuary earning $139,000 in Seattle takes home approximately $105,759 per year, or $4,068 per bi-weekly paycheck, after all taxes. The effective tax rate is 23.9%.
Seattle actuary salaries range from $73,000–$89,000 at entry level to $182,000–$268,000 for senior professionals. The median mid-career salary is approximately $139,000.
Yes — Seattle actuaries typically earn 20–30% above the national median due to the city's high cost of living and concentration of major insurers and financial firms. A Fellow Actuary who earns $160,000 nationally might command $185,000–$210,000 in Seattle.
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