Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Commerce City, CO: $84,017 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Commerce City, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,017 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Commerce City's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,016 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($136,653) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the actuarial field in Commerce City can expect a starting actuary salary ranging from $84,017 to potentially $102,831 as they gain experience. This entry-level figure is significantly lower than the city's median for actuaries at $136,653, illustrating the financial journey new professionals face as they build their careers. Over the first three to five years, as they pass exams and accumulate experience, many entry-level actuaries can expect to bridge this gap, moving toward the median salary as they progress through their careers. Given the projected growth rate of 3.20% annually in this field, Commerce City represents a robust market for fresh graduates eager to enter this rewarding profession.
About the Commerce City Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Commerce City
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 Commerce City
Entry-level actuarys in Commerce City, CO typically start between $84,017 and $102,831 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $127,796 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $136,653 — 1.86% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Colorado of $60,000 represents just 71.41% of the starting actuary pay ($84,017/year) in Commerce City. 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 Commerce City
- 1Research the Commerce City market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $84,017 to $102,831, 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 CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Commerce City, 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 Commerce City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Commerce City's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Commerce City is $127,796 ( 152.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,017, experienced hygienists can earn up to $211,813.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,206
2025 BLS Actual
$81,412
2026 Current Est.
$84,017
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Commerce City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,206 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,418 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,548 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,356 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,107 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,497 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,412 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,017 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,706 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Commerce City, CO grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,206 in 2019 to $81,412 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $86,706. New graduates entering the Commerce City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Commerce City 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 Commerce City
Among employers in Commerce City, numerous large life insurers such as Prudential and Northwestern Mutual actively hire newly credentialed actuaries, often incorporating structured support for exam preparation into their hiring practices. Health insurance companies and consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer also seek out entry-level talent with a bachelor's degree in mathematics or actuarial science, providing pathways for careers enhanced through credentials like the ASA or ACAS. For new actuaries, focusing on exam progression is crucial, as each passed exam can lead to a pay increase ranging from $3,000 to $8,000. As the industry increasingly values skills in predictive analytics and data science, new graduates who invest time in continuing education and credentialing significantly boost their marketability and starting pay in Colorado’s competitive actuarial landscape.
More salary data for Commerce City, CO:
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 Commerce City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Commerce City 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