Modesto vs San Francisco: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Modesto, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Modesto, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,928 | $180,941▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.43 | $86.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,518 | $96,874▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $94,988 | $126,337▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $168,867 | $221,116▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $204,488 | $239,651▲ |
| Total Employed | 45 | 220▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Modesto.
The salary gap between Modesto and San Francisco is $49,013 (37.15%). San Francisco's median is +34.87% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Modesto spans $127,970,San Francisco spans $142,777. San Francisco has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($156,506 effective) pays 34.17% more than Modesto ($116,647 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Modesto if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($180,941/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($239,651)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,506)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Modesto grew -24.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 61.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Modesto, CA
$169,755 (2024) → $127,837 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$108,520 (2019) → $175,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Modesto, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Modesto or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Modesto and San Francisco?
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What do entry-level actuarys earn in Modesto vs San Francisco?
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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