Business & Finance San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Actuary Salary in San Jose, California

The median actuary salary in San Jose, CA is $191,503 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median and 21.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$191,503
vs State Avg
+$34,197
vs National
+$77,513
Cost of Living
168%

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

San Jose offers a median actuary salary of $191,503, which is $34,197 above the California state average of $157,306. Compared to the national median of $113,990, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $191,503 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $113,990. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for actuarys in San Jose spans from $114,912 at the 10th percentile to $329,297 at the 90th percentile — a $214,385 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $117,600, while senior actuarys with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $294,000. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Actuary Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level actuary earns around $117,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $294,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$117,600
+$47,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$193,200
+$78,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$294,000
+$119,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $114,912
25th Percentile $146,496
Median (50th) $191,503
75th Percentile $253,680
90th Percentile $329,297

Actuary Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$207,462
Pop. 873,965
Los Angeles, CA
$166,425
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$161,866
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$134,508
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Actuary in San Jose

Education

Most actuary positions require a bachelor's degree. San Jose 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 Jose may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Actuary Jobs in San Jose

Browse open actuary positions in San Jose, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Actuary Salary in San Jose

How much does a Actuary make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median actuary salary in San Jose, California is $191,503 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median of $113,990. Salaries range from $114,912 (10th percentile) to $329,297 (90th percentile).
How much does a Actuary make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $191,503, a actuary in San Jose earns approximately $92 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for actuary pay? ▼
San Jose's median actuary salary of $191,503 is 21.7% above the California state average of $157,306. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a actuary salary of $191,503 in San Jose has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a actuary in San Jose? ▼
Most actuary positions in San Jose 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.