Lakewood vs San Jose: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Lakewood, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lakewood, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,784 | $135,233▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.95 | $65.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,004 | $89,443▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $93,323 | $104,975▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,284 | $224,924▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $196,516 | $268,165▲ |
| Total Employed | 19 | 120▲ |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Lakewood and San Jose is $8,449 (6.66%). 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 Lakewood spans $117,512,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 9.25% more than Lakewood ($112,099 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lakewood 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 Lakewood grew -24.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in San Jose over the same period.
Lakewood, CA
$163,136 (2024) → $122,853 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$114,700 (2020) → $131,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lakewood, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Lakewood or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lakewood and San Jose?
Should I relocate from Lakewood to San Jose as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Lakewood vs San Jose?
Related Comparisons
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