How to Become a Actuaries in California
Actuaries in California earn a median salary of $124,240/year, which is 1% below the national average. California has a state income tax of ~6.2%. After taxes and rent, a actuaries takes home approximately $5,920/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a actuaries can afford in California
Becoming a actuaries in California
Meet education requirements
Actuaries positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many actuaries positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for actuariess. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 1,320 actuaries. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
Actuaries salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $153K | $73.39/hr | 300 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $136K | $65.58/hr | 210 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $123K | $58.9/hr | 300 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $119K | $57.41/hr | 40 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $113K | $54.42/hr | 110 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $104K | $50.08/hr | 30 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $102K | $49.21/hr | 60 |
Actuaries salary range in California
Actuaries careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a actuaries make in California?▼
The median actuaries salary in California is $124,240 per year ($59.73/hr). This is 1% below the national median of $125,770. Salaries range from $80,960 to $212,960.
What are the requirements to become a actuaries in California?▼
Actuaries positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a actuaries afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $124,240, a actuaries in California would take home approximately $7,332/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 19.3% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for actuaries in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for actuaries in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($152,650), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($136,410), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim ($122,520). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for actuaries?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 6.2%. On a $124,240 salary, this means roughly $7,692/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.