Actuary Salary in Sunnyvale, CA: $138,409 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Sunnyvale, CA earns a median $138,409/year (≈ $66.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Sunnyvale's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $122,378 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Actuaries in Sunnyvale, California, can anticipate a competitive median annual salary of $138,409 in 2026, which surpasses the national average for the profession. This upward trend highlights the city's demand for actuarial expertise, particularly in specialty areas such as life insurance and pension management through the Society of Actuaries (SOA), versus the property and casualty sector represented by the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). The local salary range is quite broad, extending from $82,177 at the 10th percentile to $214,533 at the 90th percentile, reflecting diverse opportunities for actuaries depending on their experience and specialization. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for local economic conditions.
About the Sunnyvale Market
Salary estimated from California average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,177 | $39.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,072 | $49.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,409 | $66.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $177,163 | $85.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $214,533 | $103.14 |
Median Salary Position
3.17% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sunnyvale
In Sunnyvale, CA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $132,356 (2026 est.). At $138,409, the local median is 3.17% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sunnyvale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sunnyvale Actuary Pay Compares
Sunnyvale median: $138,409/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sunnyvale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $130,083 | +6.40% more |
| National Average | $134,160 | +3.17% more |
Actuarys in Sunnyvale, CA earn a median of $138,409 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.17% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 6.40% above the California state average of $130,083.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sunnyvale has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sunnyvale, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $138,409 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $122,378 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$111,781
2025 BLS Actual
$134,117
2026 Current Est.
$138,409
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Sunnyvale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,781 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,546 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,254 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,600 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $173,031 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,117 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,409 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,838 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sunnyvale metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $111,781 (2019) to $134,117 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,838 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,057 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sunnyvale 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) | $82,177 – $102,072 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,072 – $138,409 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,409 – $177,163 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $177,163 – $214,533 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Sunnyvale
The job market for actuaries in Sunnyvale remains robust, with 26 professionals currently employed in the area amid a cost-of-living index of 113.1, indicating that housing and everyday expenses are slightly above the national average. This financial backdrop influences the take-home purchasing power actuaries experience, making it crucial to target high-paying employers like major consulting firms and leading health insurance companies. Typically, market dynamics illustrate that employees in property and casualty roles, particularly in consulting environments such as Mercer and Milliman, may enjoy higher compensation compared to their counterparts in life or health sectors. The pay scale often benefits those who actively pursue further examinations and achieve professional credentials, with each passed exam potentially adding $3,000 to $8,000 to their earnings. For actuaries in Sunnyvale aspiring to maximize their salary, acquiring advanced skills in predictive analytics and demonstrating ongoing commitment to professional growth through credentialing will be integral to navigating this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Sunnyvale, 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 $134,117 for actuariesin the Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale 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