Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Modesto, CA: $76,518 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Modesto, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,518 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Modesto's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,655 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($131,928) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduating with an actuarial degree can lead to promising prospects in Modesto, California, where the starting salary for entry-level actuaries is projected to be around $76,518 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city's median salary of $131,928, highlighting the journey ahead for new graduates. While starting salaries for fresh graduates may seem modest, they reflect a clear growth trajectory. Over the first few years of their careers, entry-level actuaries can expect their compensation to increase, with earnings potentially climbing towards the 25th percentile salary of $94,988 within a few years. Given the favorable economic indicators, Modesto presents a viable job market for aspiring actuaries, with growth opportunities that can lead to a stable and rewarding career.
About the Modesto Market
Salary estimated from California average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Modesto
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 Modesto
Entry-level actuarys in Modesto, CA typically start between $76,518 and $94,988 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $127,970 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $131,928 — 1.66% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in California of $82,000 represents just 107.16% of the starting actuary pay ($76,518/year) in Modesto. 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 Modesto
- 1Research the Modesto market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $76,518 to $94,988, 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 Modesto, 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 Modesto for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Modesto'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 Modesto is $127,970 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,518, experienced hygienists can earn up to $204,488.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,207
2025 BLS Actual
$74,145
2026 Current Est.
$76,518
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,207 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,311 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,697 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,719 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,135 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,458 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,145 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,518 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,966 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Modesto, CA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,207 in 2019 to $74,145 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,966. New graduates entering the Modesto job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Modesto 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 Modesto
In Modesto, several significant employers regularly seek new graduates for actuarial positions. Large life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, as well as firms like Northwestern Mutual, actively recruit individuals through campus pipelines and offer structured exam preparation time for actuarial students. Health insurers and consulting firms, including Milliman, Mercer, and Aon, are also on the lookout for entry-level talent, particularly those with the Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) credential. To enhance starting pay in California, obtaining a bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as math or finance, alongside passing initial actuarial exams, is crucial. Furthermore, progression through the exam tiers is key to salary growth; successful candidates can anticipate that each exam passed will typically add $3,000 to $8,000 to their base salary. Realistically, aspiring actuaries in their first few years in Modesto can expect steady increases in their salaries as they build expertise and credentials, positioning themselves well in the competitive job market.
More salary data for Modesto, 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 Modesto. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Modesto 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