Actuary Salary in Alameda, CA: $126,341 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Alameda, CA earns a median $126,341/year (≈ $60.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Alameda's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $111,707 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation landscape for actuaries in Alameda, California, presents a median annual salary of $126,341, positioning it about 5.83% lower than the national standard of $134,160. Local salary estimates reflect a broad pay range, with figures running from $78,032 at the 10th percentile to $195,828 at the 90th percentile. Consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer typically offer more competitive packages compared to traditional insurance companies. This distinct pay gradient at the Fellowship level highlights the growing importance of credentials, where the significant income jump for those who achieve FSA status can drive overall earnings in this dynamic job market.
About the Alameda Market
Salary estimated from California average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,032 | $37.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95,239 | $45.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,341 | $60.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $161,715 | $77.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $195,828 | $94.15 |
Median Salary Position
5.83% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alameda
In Alameda, CA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,796 (2026 est.). At $126,341, the local median is 5.83% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alameda: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alameda Actuary Pay Compares
Alameda median: $126,341/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alameda Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $130,114 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -5.83% less |
Actuarys in Alameda, CA earn a median of $126,341 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.83% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 2.90% below the California state average of $130,114.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alameda has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alameda, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $126,341 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $111,707 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,035
2025 BLS Actual
$122,423
2026 Current Est.
$126,341
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Alameda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,035 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,559 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,728 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,346 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,006 | Actual |
| 2024 | $162,566 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,423 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,341 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,383 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alameda metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $102,035 (2019) to $122,423 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,383 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,348 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alameda metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $78,032 – $95,239 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $95,239 – $126,341 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,341 – $161,715 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $161,715 – $195,828 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Alameda
With only 12 actuaries currently employed in the area, the local job market remains relatively tight, which can lead to competitive salaries even amidst a slightly lower median compared to national figures. The cost of living index of 113.1 suggests that while salaries may seem lower, the purchasing power is somewhat diminished when compared to cheaper regions. Employers across various sectors in Alameda, including life and health insurance firms like Prudential and UnitedHealth, as well as prominent consulting companies, are critical players in determining pay scales. High salaries often relate to advanced credentials, with each exam passed leading to incremental pay raises. Additionally, understanding the nuances of each specialty can significantly impact earnings potential—property & casualty and consulting roles typically command higher salaries. For actuaries focused on maximizing their pay in Alameda, pursuing further professional examinations and refining skills in data analytics or predictive modeling are key strategies for enhancing their competitive edge.
More salary data for Alameda, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $122,423 for actuariesin the Alameda metropolitan area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alameda is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for actuarys (SOC 15-2011).
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov