Denver vs Wheat Ridge: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Denver, CO and Wheat Ridge, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Wheat Ridge, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,294 | $135,543▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.76 | $65.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,126 | $88,755▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $100,042 | $105,555▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $167,411 | $173,495▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $189,413 | $210,091▲ |
| Total Employed | 400▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Wheat Ridge, CO offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Wheat Ridge is $11,249 (9.05%). Wheat Ridge's median is +1.03% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $108,287,Wheat Ridge spans $121,336. Wheat Ridge has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wheat Ridge ($129,089 effective) pays 9.86% more than Denver ($117,500 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Wheat Ridge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,543/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($210,091)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,089)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Denver grew 3.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.0% growth in Wheat Ridge over the same period.
Denver, CO
$115,970 (2019) → $120,440 (2025)
Wheat Ridge, CO
$126,289 (2024) → $131,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Wheat Ridge, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Denver or Wheat Ridge?
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Should I relocate from Denver to Wheat Ridge as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Denver vs Wheat Ridge?
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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