Chico vs San Jose: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Chico, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chico, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,155 | $135,233▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.57 | $65.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,640 | $89,443▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $98,632 | $104,975▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,598 | $224,924▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,739 | $268,165▲ |
| Total Employed | 20 | 120▲ |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chico.
The salary gap between Chico and San Jose is $5,078 (3.90%). San Jose's median is +0.80% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chico spans $121,099,San Jose spans $178,722. San Jose has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Jose ($122,468 effective) pays 6.42% more than Chico ($115,080 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chico if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,233/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($268,165)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,468)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Chico grew -24.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in San Jose over the same period.
Chico, CA
$167,473 (2024) → $126,119 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$114,700 (2020) → $131,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Chico or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chico and San Jose?
Should I relocate from Chico to San Jose as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Chico vs San Jose?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov