Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Concord, CA: $77,428 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Concord, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,428 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Concord's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,460 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($133,371) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Aiming to break into the actuarial field in Concord, California? The starting stage for entry-level actuaries in 2026 is projected to pay around $77,428. This figure reflects a significant gap from the city's median annual salary of $133,371, indicating that while initial earnings are lower, there is room for growth as experience accumulates. Over the first few years, new graduates can expect to move from the entry-level pay toward $97,026 at the P25 level, steadily progressing into more competitive salary ranges as they pass crucial exams. Concord presents a reasonably favorable market for aspiring actuaries, particularly as the profession demonstrates strong growth—with an annual increase of 3.20% projected in this field.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from California average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Concord
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 Concord
Entry-level actuarys in Concord, CA typically start between $77,428 and $97,026 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $129,296 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $133,371 — 0.59% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in California of $82,000 represents just 105.90% of the starting actuary pay ($77,428/year) in Concord. 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 Concord
- 1Research the Concord market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $77,428 to $97,026, 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 Concord, 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 Concord for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Concord'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 Concord is $129,296 ( 166.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,428, experienced hygienists can earn up to $206,724.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,935
2025 BLS Actual
$75,027
2026 Current Est.
$77,428
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Concord (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,935 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,052 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,407 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,524 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,981 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,534 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,027 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,428 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,906 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Concord, CA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,935 in 2019 to $75,027 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,906. New graduates entering the Concord job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord 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 Concord
Employers in Concord that hire new actuarial graduates include major players in the insurance and consulting sectors, such as Prudential, MetLife, and Aon. These companies often offer structured exam preparation and even provide study time for aspiring actuaries. While starting actuary salary in Concord might seem modest, credentials can significantly enhance earning potential. Holding a relevant Bachelor's degree alongside passing initial actuarial exams can position candidates favorably in the job market. Continuing education through VEE credits and pursuing the ASA designation enables new grads to increase their salaries effectively, often adding $3,000 to $8,000 for each exam passed. In these first critical years, building a solid foundation through exam progression not only leads to salary improvements but also opens the door to higher-paying roles in consulting firms, where FSAs or FCAS holders typically earn premium compensation.
More salary data for Concord, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is actuarial science school worth it in Concord?
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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 Concord. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Concord 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