Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Burbank, CA: $74,520 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Burbank, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,520 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burbank's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,889 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($128,483) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates seeking an entry-level actuary position in Burbank, California, can anticipate starting salaries around $74,520 in 2026, which represents a significant gap when compared to the city's median salary of $128,483. This gap indicates both the typical starting pay level for new entrants and the growth potential over the initial years of their careers. For those early in their careers, salaries can realistically progress to approximately $92,640 by achieving their first few actuarial exam milestones, as they gain valuable experience and qualifications. With Burbank's projected growth rate of 3.20% annually, it remains a favorable market for fresh graduates aspiring to position themselves in this evolving field.
About the Burbank Market
Salary estimated from California average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burbank
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 Burbank
Entry-level actuarys in Burbank, CA typically start between $74,520 and $92,640 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $124,628 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $128,483 — 4.23% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in California of $82,000 represents just 110.04% of the starting actuary pay ($74,520/year) in Burbank. 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 Burbank
- 1Research the Burbank market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $74,520 to $92,640, 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 Burbank, 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 Burbank for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Burbank'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 Burbank is $124,628 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,520, experienced hygienists can earn up to $199,148.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,609
2025 BLS Actual
$72,209
2026 Current Est.
$74,520
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Burbank (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,609 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,684 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,138 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,277 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,887 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,209 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,520 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,904 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Burbank, CA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,609 in 2019 to $72,209 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,904. New graduates entering the Burbank job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burbank 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 Burbank
Employers in Burbank offer various opportunities for new actuaries, with significant recruitment efforts from large life insurers like Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual. These companies often have robust campus recruitment programs that not only provide entry-level positions but also dedicate structured time for exam preparation. Additionally, health insurance companies and consulting firms, such as Milliman and Mercer, are also notable players in hiring early-career actuaries. A solid academic foundation in mathematics or actuarial science, along with passing initial actuarial exams, can significantly influence starting salaries in California. Each passed exam can enhance base pay by $3,000 to $8,000, making the exam progression a key driver of compensation. For new grads, realistic expectations for salary growth in the first few years should consider the additional earnings potential from attaining credentials like the ASA, which typically requires 5-7 exams, followed by the higher-paying FSA status that firms value immensely.
More salary data for Burbank, 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 Burbank. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burbank 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