San Francisco vs Fresno: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between San Francisco, CA and Fresno, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Fresno, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $180,941▲ | $140,277 |
| Hourly Rate | $86.99▲ | $67.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,874▲ | $81,361 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,337▲ | $106,062 |
| 75th Percentile | $221,116▲ | $179,555 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $239,651▲ | $217,429 |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 84 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fresno.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Fresno is $40,664 (28.99%). San Francisco's median is +34.87% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $142,777,Fresno spans $136,068. San Francisco 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, San Francisco ($156,506 effective) pays 26.18% more than Fresno ($124,029 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($180,941/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($239,651)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,506)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Fresno if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in San Francisco grew 61.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -24.7% growth in Fresno over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$108,520 (2019) → $175,330 (2025)
Fresno, CA
$180,497 (2024) → $135,927 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Fresno, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: San Francisco or Fresno?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Fresno?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Fresno as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in San Francisco vs Fresno?
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