San Jose vs Santa Maria: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between San Jose, CA and Santa Maria, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Jose, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,233▲ | $130,102 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.02▲ | $62.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,443▲ | $80,657 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,975▲ | $98,531 |
| 75th Percentile | $224,924▲ | $166,531 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $268,165▲ | $201,658 |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 16 |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Maria.
The salary gap between San Jose and Santa Maria is $5,131 (3.94%). 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 San Jose spans $178,722,Santa Maria spans $121,001. San Jose 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 Jose ($122,468 effective) pays 6.46% more than Santa Maria ($115,033 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Santa Maria if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in San Jose grew 14.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to -24.7% growth in Santa Maria over the same period.
San Jose, CA
$114,700 (2020) → $131,040 (2025)
Santa Maria, CA
$167,405 (2024) → $126,068 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Jose, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: San Jose or Santa Maria?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Jose and Santa Maria?
Should I relocate from San Jose to Santa Maria as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in San Jose vs Santa Maria?
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