Senior Actuary Salary in Fairfield, CA: $207,898 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Fairfield, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $207,898/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Fairfield's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $183,818 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For seasoned actuaries in Fairfield, the potential for high earnings is substantial, with the top achievers (P90) reaching an impressive $207,898 in 2026. This figure not only illustrates the rewarding prospects for skilled professionals but also highlights a significant experience premium, as the median annual salary stands at $134,128. While the disparity between these figures delineates what it takes to ascend to top-tier pay—extensive expertise, specialty certifications, and often a slew of professional exams—Fairfield's compensation landscape is in line with the national median of $134,160, positioning it as a competitive market for actuaries aiming for high rewards. The pathway to these premium salaries typically involves acquiring advanced designations such as FSA or FCAS, underscoring the commitment to continued education and professional development necessary to thrive in this industry.
About the Fairfield Market
Salary estimated from California average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfield
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Fairfield earn between $171,684 and $207,898 per year (2026 est.). This $128,953 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Fairfield median of $134,128 sits 0.02% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Fairfield | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $134,128 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,684 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $207,898 | $221,983 |
In Fairfield, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Fairfield
Advanced Certifications in California
CA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $134,128 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Fairfield employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Fairfield command premium compensation, often reaching the $171,684–$207,898 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Fairfield metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Fairfield with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Actuaries in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Actuary Career & Wage Growth Path in Fairfield
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFairfield ranks #18 of 156 California cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $207,898).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Fairfield ($207,898) is 0.95% below the California average P90 ($209,891).
2019 BLS Actual
$181,316
2025 BLS Actual
$201,452
2026 Current Est.
$207,898
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $181,316 | Actual |
| 2020 | $183,573 | Actual |
| 2021 | $193,697 | Actual |
| 2022 | $186,655 | Actual |
| 2023 | $196,029 | Actual |
| 2024 | $267,507 | Actual |
| 2025 | $201,452 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $207,898 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $214,551 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Fairfield saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $181,316 in 2019 to $201,452 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.20% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $214,551 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfield 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.
Maximizing Your Actuary Earnings in Fairfield
In 2026, certain specializations in Fairfield command significantly higher pay, with areas like life and annuity, health, and property & casualty being particularly lucrative. Senior actuaries working at large insurance firms, such as Prudential or MetLife, often secure superior compensation compared to their counterparts in consulting roles, where firms like Mercer or Aon may emphasize predictive analytics capabilities and advanced risk management strategies. Career advancement usually follows a trajectory from actuarial analyst to positions like managing actuary or chief actuary. Depending on the firm type—be it life, health, property & casualty, or reinsurance—senior actuaries can shape their careers around specific competencies that align with employer needs. Advanced credentials, including ASA or FSA, result in not just a boost in salary but also enhanced job security and growth opportunities. Furthermore, generous compensation packages often include not just base salary, but also bonuses for successful exam completions, motivating continuous progression through the ASA-to-FSA timeline and bolstering the capacity for high earnings in this competitive field.
More salary data for Fairfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Fairfield in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Fairfield?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Fairfield?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Fairfield?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Fairfield?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $201,452 for actuaries in the Fairfield metro area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fairfield 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