Redwood City vs San Jose: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Redwood City, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Redwood City, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,248 | $135,233▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.18 | $65.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,895 | $89,443▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $94,213 | $104,975▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,877 | $224,924▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $197,234 | $268,165▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 120▲ |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Redwood City.
The salary gap between Redwood City and San Jose is $7,985 (6.28%). 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 Redwood City spans $117,339,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 8.85% more than Redwood City ($112,509 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Redwood City 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 Redwood City grew -24.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in San Jose over the same period.
Redwood City, CA
$163,732 (2024) → $123,302 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$114,700 (2020) → $131,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Redwood City, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Redwood City or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between Redwood City and San Jose?
Should I relocate from Redwood City to San Jose as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Redwood City 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