Oakland vs San Jose: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Oakland, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oakland, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $185,059▲ | $135,233 |
| Hourly Rate | $88.97▲ | $65.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,334▲ | $89,443 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,356▲ | $104,975 |
| 75th Percentile | $236,876▲ | $224,924 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $286,842▲ | $268,165 |
| Total Employed | 78 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Oakland, CA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Jose.
The salary gap between Oakland and San Jose is $49,826 (36.84%). Oakland's median is +37.94% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oakland spans $179,508,San Jose spans $178,722. Oakland 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, Oakland ($163,624 effective) pays 33.61% more than San Jose ($122,468 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oakland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($185,059/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($286,842)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $163,624)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Oakland grew -0.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in San Jose over the same period.
Oakland, CA
$179,758 (2024) → $179,321 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$114,700 (2020) → $131,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oakland, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Oakland or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oakland and San Jose?
Should I relocate from Oakland to San Jose as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Oakland 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