SalaryData

Actuary Salary in California

Based on 1K+ workers in California

Data year: 2025 · Last updated: June 2026

Median Annual Salary (CA)

$130,510

$62.745/hr

vs National Average

$124,781

+4.6% vs national median

Salary Range (10th–90th)

$84K $219K

1K employed in California

Actuaries in California earn a median salary of $130,510 per year, which sits approximately 5% above the national average. With roughly 1,280 actuaries employed throughout the state, California offers competitive compensation for professionals in this specialized field. Salaries typically range from $83,510 to $219,490 annually, reflecting the diversity of experience and specialization within the profession.

Several factors shape actuary salary in California, including years of experience, professional certifications, and the specific industry sector. Insurance companies, consulting firms, and healthcare organizations may offer different compensation packages based on their business focus. Geographic location within California also influences earnings, as positions in major metropolitan areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles tend to command higher salaries than those in smaller regions.

Salary Distribution — Actuary in California

Actuary (CA) salary percentiles
PercentileAnnual Salary
10th percentile$83,510
25th percentile$101,600
Median (50th percentile)$130,510
75th percentile$188,390
90th percentile$219,490

Historical Salary Trend — Actuary in California vs National

Historical Actuary (California vs National) salary trend
YearMedian Salary (United States)
2022$128,640
2023$120,650
2024$124,240
2025$130,510
Historical salary trend for Actuary in California
YearCalifornia MedianNational Median
2022$128,640$112,138
2023$120,650$112,820
2024$124,240$121,524
2025$130,510$124,781

Actuary Salary by Experience Level in California

Actuary Salary in Other States

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do actuaries make in California?

The median salary for actuaries in California is $130,510 per year, or approximately $63 per hour. This is 4.6% higher than the national average for actuaries, making California one of the better-paying states for this profession.

What is the salary range for actuaries in California?

Actuaries in California earn between $83,510 and $219,490 annually, depending on experience, credentials, and employer. This wide range reflects the variation in compensation based on career level and specialization within the actuarial field.

Is California a good state for actuary jobs?

California offers competitive compensation for actuaries, with salaries 4.6% above the national average and a median of $130,510 per year. With 1,280 actuaries currently employed in the state, there are established job opportunities in this market.

What do entry-level actuaries earn in California?

Entry-level actuaries in California can expect to earn around $83,510 annually at the lower end of the salary range. As you gain experience and pass actuarial exams, your earning potential can increase significantly, with experienced actuaries earning up to $219,490 per year.

Related Occupations

More Locations