Aurora vs Durango: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Aurora, CO and Durango, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, CO | Durango, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $121,564 | $131,998▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.44 | $63.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,958 | $90,289▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,009 | $105,219▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $155,603 | $165,248▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $188,425 | $204,597▲ |
| Total Employed | 54▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Durango, CO offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Durango is $10,434 (8.58%). Durango's median is -1.61% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $117,467,Durango spans $114,308. Aurora has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Durango ($125,712 effective) pays 8.58% more than Aurora ($115,775 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Larger job market (54 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Durango if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,998/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($204,597)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,712)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Aurora grew -12.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.0% growth in Durango over the same period.
Aurora, CO
$134,786 (2024) → $117,795 (2025)
Durango, CO
$122,985 (2024) → $127,905 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, CO
Durango, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Aurora or Durango?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Durango?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Durango as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Aurora vs Durango?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov