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Average Actuaries Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Actuaries in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area command an impressive average annual salary of $159,810, significantly surpassing the national average of $135,770. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the region's high demand for specialized analytical talent and the concentration of industries that rely heavily on actuarial expertise, such as finance and technology.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $159,810 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 40.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $239,715.
  • Outlook: The local job market for actuaries in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, appears robust, supported by a dedicated workforce of 300 professionals. A Location Quotient of 1.44 indicates a higher concentration of actuaries compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for their specialized skills within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$159,810

The average Actuaries in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earns+17.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$76.8

Weekly

$3,073

Monthly

$13,318

Actuaries Salary Distribution in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Salary progression for actuaries in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, is strongly tied to experience and demonstrated expertise. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior actuaries with extensive experience and specialized certifications can expect to earn significantly more, often reaching into the top percentiles of the salary range, reflecting their value and contribution.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$98,740$47.5
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$119,858$57.6
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$152,650$73.4
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$199,763$96
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$239,715$115.2

Detailed Actuaries Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$159,810

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$159,810

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary of $159,810 in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, is perfectly aligned with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that while the absolute salary is high, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, indicating that the higher pay effectively offsets the cost of living in this metropolitan area.

Job Market Context

300

Total Jobs

0.264

Per 1K Jobs

1.44

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.44, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Actuaries roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.44, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, exhibits a notable concentration of actuaries relative to the rest of the United States. This suggests a competitive market where employers actively seek out actuarial talent, and professionals may find a greater number of opportunities and potentially more specialized roles compared to areas with a lower LQ.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Actuaries

CitySalaryDist.
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Actuaries Salary$149,000 7%42 mi

Comparing salaries near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Hiring Actuariess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Actuaries make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?

The median annual salary for a Actuaries in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $159,810. This typically ranges from $98,740 for entry-level positions to $239,715 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 17.7% higher than the national median of $135,770.

Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a lucrative place for Actuariess?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Actuaries.Actuaries in this region earn a substantial average salary of $159,810, which is well above the national average. Coupled with a Cost of Living Index at the national average, this makes the compensation highly competitive and financially advantageous.

Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a good place to live for Actuaries?

The Cost of Living Index in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($149,000) and others.

How does the number of local actuaries compare nationally?

The local workforce of 300 actuaries, combined with a Location Quotient of 1.44, indicates a higher concentration of actuaries in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, than the national average.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient for actuaries in San Jose?

A Location Quotient of 1.44 signifies that actuaries are 44% more concentrated in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, than the national average, suggesting strong regional demand for their skills.

Does the high salary in San Jose mean a higher standard of living?

While the average salary is high, the Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average (100). This means the purchasing power of an actuary's salary in San Jose is comparable to the national average, not necessarily higher.

How many jobs per 1,000 workers are available for actuaries in this area?

There are approximately 0.264 jobs per 1,000 workers for actuaries in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, reflecting the specialized nature of the profession within the local economy.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area with a job density of 0.264 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.