Los Angeles vs Petaluma: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Petaluma, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Petaluma, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,065▲ | $127,556 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.50▲ | $61.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,502▲ | $80,710 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,337▲ | $97,601 |
| 75th Percentile | $194,418▲ | $163,272 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,826▲ | $197,713 |
| Total Employed | 380▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Petaluma.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Petaluma is $4,509 (3.53%). Los Angeles's median is -1.56% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $133,324,Petaluma spans $117,003. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($116,289 effective) pays 3.11% more than Petaluma ($112,782 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,065/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,826)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,289)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Petaluma if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Los Angeles grew 12.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -24.7% growth in Petaluma over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$113,380 (2019) → $127,970 (2025)
Petaluma, CA
$164,130 (2024) → $123,601 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Petaluma, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Los Angeles or Petaluma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Petaluma?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Petaluma as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Los Angeles vs Petaluma?
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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