Senior Actuary Salary in Brighton, CO: $208,128 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Brighton, CO — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $208,128/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Brighton's price premium (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $198,217 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Brighton, Colorado offers a competitive compensation landscape for experienced actuaries, particularly for those at the top of their field. With a projected median annual salary of $134,276 in 2026, senior actuaries can anticipate earning significantly more if they ascend toward the 90th percentile, which boasts an impressive $208,128. This range reflects a robust experience premium, as professionals with over seven years of experience can expect substantial financial rewards in their careers. Achieving this top-tier pay typically requires advanced credentials such as the Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) designation, specialized expertise, and proficiency in high-demand areas like predictive analytics or enterprise risk management. Comparatively, the top salaries in Brighton align closely with national averages, showcasing the city’s desirability for seasoned actuaries seeking to maximize their earning potential.
About the Brighton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brighton
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Brighton earn between $171,872 and $208,128 per year (2026 est.). This $122,258 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brighton median of $134,276 sits 0.09% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Brighton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $134,276 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,872 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $208,128 | $221,983 |
In Brighton, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Brighton
Advanced Certifications in Colorado
CO actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $134,276 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brighton employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Brighton command premium compensation, often reaching the $171,872–$208,128 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brighton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Brighton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Actuaries in Colorado who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Actuary Career & Wage Growth Path in Brighton
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBrighton ranks #20 of 32 Colorado cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $208,128).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Brighton ($208,128) is 3.91% above the Colorado average P90 ($200,291).
2019 BLS Actual
$181,516
2025 BLS Actual
$201,674
2026 Current Est.
$208,128
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Brighton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $181,516 | Actual |
| 2020 | $183,776 | Actual |
| 2021 | $193,911 | Actual |
| 2022 | $186,860 | Actual |
| 2023 | $196,245 | Actual |
| 2024 | $193,916 | Actual |
| 2025 | $201,674 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $208,128 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $214,788 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Brighton saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $181,516 in 2019 to $201,674 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.20% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $214,788 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brighton 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.
Maximizing Your Actuary Earnings in Brighton
Analysts working in Brighton benefit immensely from the local demand for highly specialized skills, particularly in sectors like life and annuity, health insurance, and property and casualty domains. The variety of employers significantly impacts senior-level compensation; for instance, actuaries in consulting firms like Milliman or Mercer often see higher pay rates than those in traditional insurance venues, with these firms prioritizing advanced credentials like the FSA. While the career path for actuaries typically progresses from analyst to ASA and then to FSA, senior professionals must also capitalize on opportunities to lead teams, optimizing their value within their organizations. Additional incentives play a key role in compensation strategy, as each exam passed can yield pay increases, and non-salary benefits often include study time allowances and signing bonuses for credential attainment. Thus, focusing on continuous professional development and mentorship can pave the way for successful transitions into managing actuary or consulting practice principal roles, ensuring that top actuary salary prospects in Brighton remain elevated.
More salary data for Brighton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Brighton in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Brighton?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Brighton?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Brighton?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Brighton?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $201,674 for actuaries in the Brighton metro area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brighton 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