Los Angeles vs Santa Ana: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Ana, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,065 | $137,834▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.50 | $66.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,502▲ | $79,944 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,337▲ | $99,240 |
| 75th Percentile | $194,418▲ | $176,428 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,826▲ | $213,643 |
| Total Employed | 380▲ | 69 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Santa Ana are closely matched on overall actuary compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Ana is $5,769 (4.37%). Santa Ana's median is +2.74% 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,Santa Ana spans $133,699. Santa Ana 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, Santa Ana ($121,869 effective) pays 4.80% more than Los Angeles ($116,289 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,826)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Ana if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,834/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,869)
- ✓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 Santa Ana over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$113,380 (2019) → $127,970 (2025)
Santa Ana, CA
$177,353 (2024) → $133,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Ana, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Los Angeles or Santa Ana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Ana?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Ana as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Ana?
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