Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Erie, CO: $85,639 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Erie, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,639 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Erie's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,561 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($139,380) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the actuarial profession in Erie, Colorado can expect a starting salary around $85,639. This figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum for entry-level actuaries, indicating a significant gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $139,380. However, for those new to the field, the path to advancement can be encouraging. Over the first three to five years, entry-level actuaries typically experience a salary growth trajectory that can lead them to the 25th percentile earnings of approximately $104,820. Given Erie’s strong market position for actuarial roles, along with a projected annual growth rate of 3.20%, it appears to be a promising environment for new graduates seeking entry-level positions.
About the Erie Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Erie
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 Erie
Entry-level actuarys in Erie, CO typically start between $85,639 and $104,820 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $130,400 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $139,380 — 3.89% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Colorado of $60,000 represents just 70.06% of the starting actuary pay ($85,639/year) in Erie. 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 Erie
- 1Research the Erie market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $85,639 to $104,820, 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 Erie, 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 Erie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Erie'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 Erie is $130,400 ( 152.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,639, experienced hygienists can earn up to $216,039.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,504
2025 BLS Actual
$82,984
2026 Current Est.
$85,639
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,504 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,814 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,791 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,615 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,969 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,984 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,639 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,380 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Erie, CO grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,504 in 2019 to $82,984 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,380. New graduates entering the Erie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Erie 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 Erie
Initiating a career in the actuarial field in Erie often involves opportunities with major employers such as Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual, who actively recruit recent graduates through campus recruitment initiatives. These companies not only provide structured study time to tackle actuarial exams but also present health insurance firms and consulting giants like Milliman and Mercer that are also on the lookout for entry-level talent. New grads armed with a relevant bachelor's degree, together with passing their initial exams, can expect to see a boost in their starting pay. Successfully achieving credentials like the Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) can significantly increase salary potential, given that each passed exam typically results in a pay increase of $3,000 to $8,000. Moreover, candidates with proficiencies in predictive analytics and data science are increasingly sought after in this evolving market, enhancing their prospects and financial growth within their first three years in the field.
More salary data for Erie, 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 Erie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Erie 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