Actuary Salary in Boulder, CO: $141,645 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Boulder, CO earns a median $141,645/year (≈ $68.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Boulder's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $134,900 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Among actuaries in Boulder, Colorado, the projected median annual salary for 2026 reaches $141,645, a figure that exceeds the national median of $134,160 by about 5.58%. The local salary range highlights a diverse market, with compensation starting at $88,435 for the lowest 10% and peaking at $219,550 for the top 10%. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost variations. Actuaries specializing in life and health through the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and those focusing on property and casualty with the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) will find pronounced differences in earning potential, influenced by market demand and the specific employers operating in Boulder.
About the Boulder Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,435 | $42.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,175 | $52.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,645 | $68.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $181,306 | $87.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $219,550 | $105.55 |
Median Salary Position
5.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boulder
In Boulder, CO, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $131,115 (2026 est.). At $141,645, the local median is 5.58% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Boulder: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Boulder Actuary Pay Compares
Boulder median: $141,645/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Boulder Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $140,800 | +0.60% more |
| National Average | $134,160 | +5.58% more |
Actuarys in Boulder, CO earn a median of $141,645 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.58% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 0.60% above the Colorado state average of $140,800.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Boulder has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Boulder, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $141,645 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $134,900 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,395
2025 BLS Actual
$137,253
2026 Current Est.
$141,645
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,395 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,225 | Actual |
| 2021 | $111,808 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,695 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,974 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,253 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,645 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,178 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boulder metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $114,395 (2019) to $137,253 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,178 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,783 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boulder 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $88,435 – $108,175 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,175 – $141,645 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,645 – $181,306 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $181,306 – $219,550 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Boulder
The job market for actuaries in Boulder shows vigor, with 21 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the local cost of living index stands at 105, indicating that every dollar earned might not stretch as far as it would in lower-cost regions. Major employers in the area include prominent players in life insurance, like Prudential and MetLife, as well as healthcare organizations such as UnitedHealth and Cigna, which tend to offer competitive salaries. The variance in pay can often be attributed to several factors, including the progression through actuarial exams that add substantial increments to base salaries. Additionally, those holding higher credentials, like Fellowship (FSA/FCAS), typically command significantly higher compensation. For aspiring actuaries in Boulder, focusing on developing skills in predictive analytics can also enhance marketability and pay potential, particularly in consulting firms where demand is rising.
More salary data for Boulder, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $137,253 for actuariesin the Boulder metropolitan area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Boulder 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