Senior Actuary Salary in Long Beach, CA: $205,380 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Long Beach, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $205,380/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Long Beach's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $181,592 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
Career advancement in the actuarial field can lead to impressive compensation for seasoned professionals in Long Beach, where top earners can command an annual salary of $205,380. This high level of income underscores the significant gap between the median salary of $132,504 and the earning potential for those who have achieved senior status in their careers. To reach such top-tier pay, actuaries typically need over seven years of experience, coupled with advanced credentials such as Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) or Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS). Navigating complex roles that require specialized skills and extensive knowledge, these senior actuaries play a vital role in sectors like life insurance and reinsurance, where their unique expertise can directly translate to significant financial rewards.
About the Long Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Long Beach
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Long Beach earn between $169,605 and $205,380 per year (2026 est.). This $128,528 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Long Beach median of $132,504 sits 1.23% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Long Beach | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $132,504 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $169,605 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $205,380 | $221,983 |
In Long Beach, 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 Long Beach
Advanced Certifications in California
CA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $132,504 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Long Beach employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Long Beach command premium compensation, often reaching the $169,605–$205,380 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Long Beach metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Long Beach 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 Long Beach
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLong Beach ranks #33 of 156 California cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $205,380).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Long Beach ($205,380) is 2.15% below the California average P90 ($209,891).
2019 BLS Actual
$179,120
2025 BLS Actual
$199,012
2026 Current Est.
$205,380
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $179,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $181,350 | Actual |
| 2021 | $191,351 | Actual |
| 2022 | $184,394 | Actual |
| 2023 | $193,655 | Actual |
| 2024 | $273,329 | Actual |
| 2025 | $199,012 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $205,380 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $211,953 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Long Beach saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $179,120 in 2019 to $199,012 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 $211,953 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Beach 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 Long Beach
In Long Beach, compensation varies significantly across different actuarial specialties, which can further influence earning potential. Life insurance professionals focusing on annuities, health insurance, or property and casualty sectors tend to see the highest premiums, driven by market demand for expertise in these areas. Additionally, senior actuaries employed in firms such as Prudential or UnitedHealth may earn different compensation packages compared to those in consulting firms like Mercer or Aon, where higher premiums often reward FSA credential holders. Achieving success in this profession often involves a well-defined career path: starting as an actuarial analyst, progressing through administrative designations like Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA), and ultimately reaching management roles such as chief actuary. Advanced credentials not only enhance salary prospects but also impact non-salary benefits, as each passed exam adds an incremental boost to overall remuneration in this competitive market.
More salary data for Long Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Long Beach in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Long Beach?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Long Beach?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Long Beach?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Long Beach?
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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 $199,012 for actuaries in the Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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