Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Durango, CO: $90,289 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Durango, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $90,289 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Durango's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,990 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($131,998) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the actuarial field in Durango, Colorado, the starting pay in 2026 is projected to be around $90,289, a figure that may reflect realistic expectations for entry-level positions. While this amount is significantly lower than the overall city median annual salary of $131,998, it's essential for aspiring actuaries to recognize the growth potential within the profession. In the first few years, entry-level pay can ascend toward the P25 mark of $105,219, suggesting a clear upward trajectory as new graduates gain experience and credentials. Given the projected annual growth rate of 3.20%, the market for actuaries in Durango presents a promising opportunity for recent grads, particularly for those willing to pursue further education and exam progressions.
About the Durango Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Durango
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 Durango
Entry-level actuarys in Durango, CO typically start between $90,289 and $105,219 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $114,308 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $131,998 — 1.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Colorado of $60,000 represents just 66.45% of the starting actuary pay ($90,289/year) in Durango. 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 Durango
- 1Research the Durango market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $90,289 to $105,219, 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 Durango, 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 Durango for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Durango'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 Durango is $114,308 ( 126.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $90,289, experienced hygienists can earn up to $204,597.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$72,223
2025 BLS Actual
$87,489
2026 Current Est.
$90,289
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,223 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,526 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,441 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,906 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,937 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,319 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,489 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,289 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,178 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Durango, CO grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $72,223 in 2019 to $87,489 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $93,178. New graduates entering the Durango job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Durango 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 Durango
In Durango, several key employers actively seek new graduates in the actuarial field, including major life insurers such as Prudential and MetLife. These companies typically have established pipelines for recruiting actuarial students, often offering structured exam study time alongside competitive salaries. Health insurance firms and consultancies like Milliman, Mercer, and Aon also hire entry-level actuaries, often providing higher base salaries for those holding Associate credentials (ASA). For recent grads, holding a degree in math, statistics, or actuarial science, coupled with passing early actuarial exams, can greatly influence starting pay. The trajectory from entry-level roles to mid-level positions hinges on exam progression, with each passed exam potentially adding between $3,000 to $8,000 to base salaries. Those aspiring to enhance their credentials may benefit from focusing on predictive analytics and data science skills, increasingly valued in the industry, particularly in consulting environments where FSA and FCAS qualifications are rewarded with significant pay premiums. Realistically, new actuaries in Durango can expect meaningful salary growth over their first three years, setting a solid foundation for their careers.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Durango in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Durango?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Durango?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Durango?
How do I become a actuary in Colorado?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Durango. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Durango 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