Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Redding, CA: $78,571 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Redding, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,571 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Redding's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,470 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($128,278) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For aspiring actuaries entering the workforce in Redding, California, the 2026 projected entry-level actuary salary is approximately $78,571. This figure significantly trails the city median of $128,278, illustrating the gap that new graduates might expect as they begin their careers. However, there is a clear upward trajectory in potential earnings, with early-career actuaries likely seeing salary growth from $78,571 to around $96,207 shortly after gaining a few years of experience. Redding's local market, particularly as projected growth in the field is set at 3.20% annually, appears favorable for new hires, providing ample opportunities for those entering the profession to maximize their earning potential as they advance through their early career stages.
About the Redding Market
Salary estimated from California average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Redding
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 Redding
Entry-level actuarys in Redding, CA typically start between $78,571 and $96,207 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $120,259 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $128,278 — 4.38% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in California of $82,000 represents just 104.36% of the starting actuary pay ($78,571/year) in Redding. 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 Redding
- 1Research the Redding market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $78,571 to $96,207, 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 Redding, 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 Redding for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Redding'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 Redding is $120,259 ( 153.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,571, experienced hygienists can earn up to $198,830.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,850
2025 BLS Actual
$76,135
2026 Current Est.
$78,571
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Redding (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,850 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,984 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,299 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,536 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,044 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,085 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,135 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,571 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,086 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Redding, CA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,850 in 2019 to $76,135 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,086. New graduates entering the Redding job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redding 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 Redding
Several employers in Redding actively recruit new actuaries, including major life insurance firms like Prudential and MetLife, which often support new graduates with structured exam schedules and study time. Health insurance providers also hire entry-level actuaries, along with consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer that are increasingly seeking ASA-credentialed analysts. Earning credentials from the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) will bolster starting pay in California, as passing exams generally contributes an additional $3,000 to $8,000 to base salaries. With a Bachelor's degree in math, statistics, or actuarial science required, newcomers should plan to pursue the ASA designation, which typically takes 4-5 years and involves passing multiple exams. Given the dynamic nature of the field, gaining expertise in predictive analytics and data science will be increasingly beneficial, with realistic expectations for salary increases after the first few years in Redding's evolving actuarial market.
More salary data for Redding, 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 Redding. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Redding 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