Actuary Salary in Sacramento, CA: $120,311 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Sacramento, CA earns a median $120,311/year (≈ $57.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Sacramento's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 106.7), that paycheck buys what $112,788 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
For actuaries in Sacramento, California, the 2026 median annual salary stands at $120,311, reflecting a competitive position when examining the local job market. Actuaries in this area can expect to earn between $84,944 at the 10th percentile and $194,522 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a significant range that accommodates varying levels of experience and specialization. These figures are derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, which highlight the city's growing demand for actuarial expertise. As Sacramento continues to expand its influence in the insurance and consulting sectors, the potential for career advancement and salary growth is promising for professionals in this field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,944 | $40.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,229 | $48.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $120,311 | $57.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $139,382 | $67.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $194,522 | $93.52 |
Median Salary Position
10.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sacramento
In Sacramento, CA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,578 (2026 est.). At $120,311, the local median is 10.32% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sacramento: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sacramento Actuary Pay Compares
Sacramento median: $120,311/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sacramento Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $130,065 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -10.32% less |
Actuarys in Sacramento, CA earn a median of $120,311 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.32% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 7.50% below the California state average of $130,065.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sacramento has a cost of living 6.67% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sacramento, CA has a cost-of-living index of 106.67 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $120,311 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $112,788 — a 6.25% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$110,650
2025 BLS Actual
$116,580
2026 Current Est.
$120,311
2019–2027 Growth
+12.2%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Sacramento (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,100 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,580 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,311 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,160 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sacramento metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 5.4% from $110,650 (2019) to $116,580 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $124,160 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,510 (12.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sacramento 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) | $84,944 – $101,229 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,229 – $120,311 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $120,311 – $139,382 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $139,382 – $194,522 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Sacramento
In Sacramento, the job market includes approximately 110 actuaries, navigating a cost-of-living index of 106.67, which surpasses the national average and implies that take-home purchasing power may be somewhat constrained. Notably, employers such as UnitedHealth and Anthem in health insurance, as well as firms like Prudential and State Farm, stand out as some of the top-paying entities for actuaries in the region. The variation in compensation often arises from factors such as exam progression, where each passed exam typically yields a salary increment that ranges between $3,000 and $8,000, and the differences in market demand for distinct specialties. For those seeking to maximize their actuary pay in Sacramento, focusing on advancing through the ASA-to-FSA pathway and acquiring skills in predictive analytics could enhance earning potential. The upward movement in this field reflects a growing appreciation for actuarial talent across multiple sectors, reinforcing the optimistic outlook for aspiring professionals in this vibrant California city.
More salary data for Sacramento, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do actuaries make in Sacramento, CA in 2026?
Is Sacramento, CA a good place to work as a actuary?
Can actuaries make $100K in Sacramento?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted actuary salary in Sacramento?
How much does a actuary make per hour in Sacramento?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $116,580 for actuariesin the Sacramento 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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