Actuary Salary in California
Based on 1K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$130,510
$62.75/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
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $83,510 |
| 25th percentile | $101,600 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $130,510 |
| 75th percentile | $188,390 |
| 90th percentile | $219,490 |
Top-Paying Industries for Actuary (U.S.)
Which industries pay Actuarys the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Actuarys in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $175,980 | 50 |
| Finance and Insurance | $131,450 | 20K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $129,810 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $129,650 | 850 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $124,130 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Actuary in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $128,640 |
| 2023 | $120,650 |
| 2024 | $124,240 |
| 2025 | $130,510 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,096 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $128,640 | $112,138 |
| 2023 | $120,650 | $112,820 |
| 2024 | $124,240 | $121,524 |
| 2025 | $130,510 | $124,781 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,096 | $131,078 |
Actuary Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $101,600 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $130,510 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $188,390 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $219,490 |
Actuary Salary in Other States
Related Actuary Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Actuary ($130,510 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Actuary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in CA | $180,770 | +38.5% | $86.91/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in CA | $130,330 | -0.1% | $62.66/hr |
| Economist in CA | $119,410 | -8.5% | $57.41/hr |
| Financial Analyst in CA | $109,110 | -16.4% | $52.46/hr |
| Financial Examiner in CA | $106,000 | -18.8% | $50.96/hr |
| Budget Analyst in CA | $99,520 | -23.7% | $47.85/hr |
| Credit Analyst in CA | $97,860 | -25.0% | $47.05/hr |
| Accountant in CA | $97,050 | -25.6% | $46.66/hr |
| Compliance Officer in CA | $96,980 | -25.7% | $46.63/hr |
| Loan Officer in CA | $81,770 | -37.3% | $39.31/hr |
| Tax Examiner in CA | $80,810 | -38.1% | $38.85/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in CA | $79,730 | -38.9% | $38.33/hr |
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.