Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Stockton, CA: $77,649 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Stockton, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,649 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Stockton's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,655 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($133,877) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Actuaries entering the workforce in Stockton, California, can expect a starting salary around $77,649 in 2026. This figure represents a significant gap from the overall median salary of $133,877 for all actuaries in the area, which might seem discouraging at first. However, early-career professionals often see substantial salary growth as they gain experience and qualifications. Within the first three to five years, it is realistic to progress from the entry-level figure to approximately $96,392 at the 25th percentile, providing a clear pathway toward higher earnings. Given these projected figures, Stockton presents a reasonable market for new graduates seeking to begin their actuarial careers, especially considering the steady growth rate of 3.20% anticipated in the industry.
About the Stockton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Stockton
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stockton
Entry-level actuarys in Stockton, CA typically start between $77,649 and $96,392 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $129,860 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $133,877 — 0.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in California of $82,000 represents just 105.60% of the starting actuary pay ($77,649/year) in Stockton. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover bachelor's degree tuition at public and private universities, plus estimated actuarial exam fees and study materials. Employers often cover exam costs once employed.
ASA, FSA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Stockton
- 1Research the Stockton market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $77,649 to $96,392, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the actuarial science field — employers in CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Stockton, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Stockton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Stockton's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Stockton is $129,860 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,649, experienced hygienists can earn up to $207,509.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,112
2025 BLS Actual
$75,241
2026 Current Est.
$77,649
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Stockton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,112 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,232 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,580 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,720 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,186 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,913 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,241 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,649 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,133 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Stockton, CA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,112 in 2019 to $75,241 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,133. New graduates entering the Stockton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stockton 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.
Starting Your actuarial science Career in Stockton
In Stockton, several established employers actively recruit entry-level actuaries, particularly large life insurers such as Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual, which often participate in campus recruiting initiatives that include structured support for actuarial exams. Health insurance companies also look for fresh talent, as do renowned consulting firms like Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW, which tend to offer competitive salaries especially for those with ASA credentials. To enhance starting pay in California, new graduates should focus on obtaining relevant degrees in math, statistics, or actuarial science while passing exams through the SOA or CAS, as each completed exam generally increases salary by $3,000 to $8,000. Furthermore, obtaining VEE credits and ultimately progressing from ASA to FSA or ACAS can significantly influence longer-term earning potential, as firms tend to pay premium rates for employees holding these higher designations. Thus, while the starting actuary salary in Stockton may appear modest, strategic planning and commitment to professional development can yield substantial financial rewards in the early years of one's career.
More salary data for Stockton, CA:
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new actuarial science graduates. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Stockton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stockton 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