Business & Finance San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Actuary Salary in San Diego, California

The median actuary salary in San Diego, CA is $161,866 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$161,866
vs State Avg
+$4,560
vs National
+$47,876
Cost of Living
142%

Actuary Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median actuary salary of $161,866, which is $4,560 above the California state average of $157,306. Compared to the national median of $113,990, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $161,866 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $113,990. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for actuarys in San Diego spans from $97,128 at the 10th percentile to $278,334 at the 90th percentile — a $181,206 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $99,400, while senior actuarys with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $248,500. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Actuary Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level actuary earns around $99,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $248,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$99,400
+$29,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$163,300
+$48,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$248,500
+$73,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $97,128
25th Percentile $123,824
Median (50th) $161,866
75th Percentile $214,420
90th Percentile $278,334

Actuary Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$207,462
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$191,503
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$166,425
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$134,508
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Actuary in San Diego

Education

Most actuary positions require a bachelor's degree. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Statistical ModelingRisk AssessmentFinancial MathematicsExcel/VBASQLActuarial Exams

Job Outlook

Nationally, actuary employment is projected to grow 21% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Actuary Jobs in San Diego

Browse open actuary positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Actuary Salary in San Diego

How much does a Actuary make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median actuary salary in San Diego, California is $161,866 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $113,990. Salaries range from $97,128 (10th percentile) to $278,334 (90th percentile).
How much does a Actuary make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $161,866, a actuary in San Diego earns approximately $78 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for actuary pay? ▼
San Diego's median actuary salary of $161,866 is 2.9% above the California state average of $157,306. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a actuary salary of $161,866 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a actuary in San Diego? ▼
Most actuary positions in San Diego require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Statistical Modeling, Risk Assessment, Financial Mathematics, Excel/VBA. The job market is projected to grow 21% nationally over the next decade.