Actuary Salary in San Clemente, CA: $129,370 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in San Clemente, CA earns a median $129,370/year (≈ $62.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in San Clemente's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $114,385 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, actuaries in San Clemente, CA, can expect a median annual salary of $129,370, slightly below the national average of $134,160, reflecting the region's unique market dynamics. Local salaries range from $75,035 at the 10th percentile to $200,524 for those at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse landscape based on individual credentials and experience. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, reveal opportunities and challenges within this coastal city. With a small pool of around ten actuaries employed locally, professionals may find themselves navigating a competitive environment to maximize their earnings potential.
About the San Clemente Market
Salary estimated from California average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,035 | $36.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,343 | $47.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,370 | $62.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $165,595 | $79.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $200,524 | $96.41 |
Median Salary Position
3.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Clemente
In San Clemente, CA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $125,489 (2026 est.). At $129,370, the local median is 3.57% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Clemente: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Clemente Actuary Pay Compares
San Clemente median: $129,370/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Clemente Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $130,151 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -3.57% less |
Actuarys in San Clemente, CA earn a median of $129,370 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.57% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 0.60% below the California state average of $130,151.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Clemente has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Clemente, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $129,370 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $114,385 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,482
2025 BLS Actual
$125,359
2026 Current Est.
$129,370
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in San Clemente (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,482 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,066 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,119 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,921 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,716 | Actual |
| 2024 | $166,463 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,359 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,370 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,510 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Clemente metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $104,482 (2019) to $125,359 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,510 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,028 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Clemente 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) | $75,035 – $98,343 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,343 – $129,370 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,370 – $165,595 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $165,595 – $200,524 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in San Clemente
In terms of the local job market, San Clemente's actuary pay can significantly vary based on the type of employer. Life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife often provide attractive compensation packages, while property and casualty insurers, such as State Farm and Allstate, may also be competitive. Given the cost-of-living index of 113.1, actuaries must consider how their salaries translate into purchasing power. Exam progression remains a primary driver of salary increases; passing each exam can add between $3,000 and $8,000 to base compensation. With a focus on developing specialized skills in predictive analytics and data science, actuaries in San Clemente looking to maximize their pay should consider additional certifications and networking opportunities within consulting firms, which generally offer higher compensation for those who achieve FSA or FCAS designations.
More salary data for San Clemente, 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 $125,359 for actuariesin the San Clemente 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 San Clemente 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