Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Chico, CA: $80,640 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Chico, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,640 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chico's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,300 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($130,155) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A new graduate entering the actuarial field in Chico, California, can expect a starting actuary salary of approximately $80,640 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $130,155, highlighting a considerable gap that early-career professionals may face. However, the trajectory for salary growth can be promising, as new actuaries can realistically aim to reach the 25th percentile salary of $98,632 within the first few years, and even beyond that as they gain experience and credentials. Chico offers a favorable market for entry-level actuaries, especially given the projected annual growth rate of 3.20%. Graduates who have a strong footing in mathematics or finance are likely to find ample opportunity in this robust region.
About the Chico Market
Salary estimated from California average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chico
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 Chico
Entry-level actuarys in Chico, CA typically start between $80,640 and $98,632 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $121,099 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $130,155 — 2.99% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in California of $82,000 represents just 101.69% of the starting actuary pay ($80,640/year) in Chico. 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 Chico
- 1Research the Chico market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $80,640 to $98,632, 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 Chico, 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 Chico for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Chico'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 Chico is $121,099 ( 150.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,640, experienced hygienists can earn up to $201,739.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,505
2025 BLS Actual
$78,140
2026 Current Est.
$80,640
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,505 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,669 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,914 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,367 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,967 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,753 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,140 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,640 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,221 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Chico, CA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,505 in 2019 to $78,140 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,221. New graduates entering the Chico job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico 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 Chico
Employers in Chico actively seek entry-level actuaries through various avenues, notably large life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, which offer structured onboarding programs that include dedicated time for exam study. Health insurers and consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer also recruit fresh talent, often offering higher base salaries for those who have begun or attained their Associate (ASA or ACAS) credentials. To boost their starting pay, candidates should focus on completing relevant bachelor's degrees and passing initial actuarial exams. Each exam passed can increase their salary by an estimated $3,000 to $8,000. Realistic expectations for salary growth in the first few years range from gradual increases tied to exam progression, while advanced skills in predictive analytics are becoming increasingly valuable. Therefore, new actuaries in Chico should strategically align their education and credentials with market demands to fully enhance their earning potential.
More salary data for Chico, 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 Chico. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chico 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