San Jose vs Santa Monica: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between San Jose, CA and Santa Monica, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Jose, CA | Santa Monica, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,233▲ | $131,482 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.02▲ | $63.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,443▲ | $78,952 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,975▲ | $97,525 |
| 75th Percentile | $224,924▲ | $168,296 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $268,165▲ | $203,797 |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 20 |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Monica.
The salary gap between San Jose and Santa Monica is $3,751 (2.85%). 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 Monica spans $124,845. 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 5.35% more than Santa Monica ($116,253 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 Monica 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 Monica over the same period.
San Jose, CA
$114,700 (2020) → $131,040 (2025)
Santa Monica, CA
$169,181 (2024) → $127,405 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Jose, CA
Santa Monica, 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