Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Aurora, CO: $70,958 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Aurora, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,958 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Aurora's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,579 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($121,564) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduating with a degree in actuarial science and landing an entry-level position in Aurora, Colorado can set new actuaries on a promising career path. In 2026, starting roles are projected to offer a salary around $70,958, a figure that might seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $121,564. However, it’s important for new graduates to recognize the upward potential in this field. Over the first few years, they can anticipate salary growth, moving from the entry-level figure toward the 25th percentile at $89,009. With Aurora's current economic trends and a robust demand for analytical skills, this region remains a favorable market for aspiring actuaries to launch their careers.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Aurora
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 Aurora
Entry-level actuarys in Aurora, CO typically start between $70,958 and $89,009 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $117,467 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $121,564 — 9.39% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Colorado of $60,000 represents just 84.56% of the starting actuary pay ($70,958/year) in Aurora. 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 Aurora
- 1Research the Aurora market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $70,958 to $89,009, 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 CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Aurora, 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 Aurora for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Aurora's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Aurora is $117,467 ( 165.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,958, experienced hygienists can earn up to $188,425.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,760
2025 BLS Actual
$68,758
2026 Current Est.
$70,958
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,760 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,784 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,798 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,966 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,176 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,758 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,958 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,229 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Aurora, CO grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,760 in 2019 to $68,758 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,229. New graduates entering the Aurora job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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 Aurora
Several employers in Aurora are on the lookout for emerging talent in the actuarial field. Large life insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife often recruit new grads through campus-based pipelines, providing structured study time for actuarial exams, while health insurers actively seek entry-level actuaries. Consulting firms like Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW also recruit analysts aiming for ASA credentials, offering more competitive starting salaries as they recognize the value of exam progress. To maximize earning potential, early-career actuaries should focus on passing exams, as each exam typically boosts salaries by $3,000 to $8,000. Additionally, earning VEE credits in economics, accounting, and mathematics can enhance their profiles. Those aiming for higher-level positions should keep in mind the timeline from ASA to FSA or ACAS, as well as the emerging importance of skills in predictive analytics and data science. While starting pay for new grads in Aurora may initially lag behind national averages, strategic career moves and exam accomplishments can lead to significant salary advancements within just a few years.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
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 Aurora. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora 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