Actuaries Salary in California
The median pay for a actuaries in California is $124,240/year ($59.73/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $81K at the entry level to $213K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $124K get you in California?
About actuaries
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level actuaries (10th percentile) start around $81K. Mid-career wages sit at $124K.Top earners bring in $213K or more - a $132K spread from bottom to top.
Actuaries pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $153K | +22% | 200 |
| Washington | $153K | +22% | 250 |
| Connecticut | $148K | +18% | 1,190 |
| Alabama | $143K | +14% | N/A |
| New Jersey | $137K | +9% | 1,280 |
| Virginia | $136K | +8% | 690 |
| New York | $134K | +6% | 3,090 |
| Maine | $133K | +6% | 90 |
| Maryland | $133K | +6% | 610 |
| Nevada | $132K | +5% | 140 |
| Iowa | $130K | +3% | 650 |
| North Carolina | $130K | +3% | 600 |
| Oregon | $129K | +3% | 170 |
| Utah | $129K | +2% | 320 |
| Kansas | $126K | -0% | 310 |
Track actuaries salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do actuaries make in California?
The median is $124,240 a year - that works out to about $59.73 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $80,960, and experienced actuaries can clear $212,960. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $124K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,332/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 30% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a actuaries salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median actuaries salary is worth about $124,240 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do actuaries get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.