San Francisco vs Irvine: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between San Francisco, CA and Irvine, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $180,941▲ | $135,134 |
| Hourly Rate | $86.99▲ | $64.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,874▲ | $80,675 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,337▲ | $100,730 |
| 75th Percentile | $221,116▲ | $172,971 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $239,651▲ | $209,458 |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 72 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Irvine.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Irvine is $45,807 (33.90%). 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,Irvine spans $128,783. 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 30.99% more than Irvine ($119,482 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 Irvine 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 Irvine over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$108,520 (2019) → $175,330 (2025)
Irvine, CA
$173,880 (2024) → $130,944 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Irvine, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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