Fremont vs San Francisco: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Fremont, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fremont, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $180,977▲ | $180,941 |
| Hourly Rate | $87.01▲ | $86.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,967▲ | $96,874 |
| 25th Percentile | $137,207▲ | $126,337 |
| 75th Percentile | $231,650▲ | $221,116 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $280,514▲ | $239,651 |
| Total Employed | 43 | 220▲ |
Verdict
Fremont, CA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Francisco.
The salary gap between Fremont and San Francisco is $36 (0.02%). Fremont's median is +34.90% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fremont spans $175,547,San Francisco spans $142,777. Fremont has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fremont ($160,015 effective) pays 2.24% more than San Francisco ($156,506 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fremont if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($180,977/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($280,514)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,015)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Fremont grew 1.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 61.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Fremont, CA
$172,444 (2024) → $175,365 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$108,520 (2019) → $175,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fremont, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov