Los Angeles vs Santa Rosa: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Rosa, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Rosa, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,065▲ | $128,326 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.50▲ | $61.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,502▲ | $76,834 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,337▲ | $95,125 |
| 75th Percentile | $194,418▲ | $164,257 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,826▲ | $198,906 |
| Total Employed | 380▲ | 44 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Rosa.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Rosa is $3,739 (2.91%). Los Angeles's median is -1.56% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $133,324,Santa Rosa spans $122,072. Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles ($116,289 effective) pays 2.49% more than Santa Rosa ($113,462 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,065/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,826)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,289)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Rosa if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Los Angeles grew 12.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -24.7% growth in Santa Rosa over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$113,380 (2019) → $127,970 (2025)
Santa Rosa, CA
$165,119 (2024) → $124,347 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Rosa, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Los Angeles or Santa Rosa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Rosa?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Rosa as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Rosa?
Related Comparisons
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