Actuary Jobs in San Francisco, CA

San Francisco, California$223,750 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Actuary Jobs in San Francisco

Looking for a Actuary job in San Francisco? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Actuary in San Francisco, CA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

San Francisco has a strong job market for Actuarys. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Actuary Salary in San Francisco

Entry Level
$136,935
Median
$223,750
Senior Level
$329,360

Actuary salaries in San Francisco are 79% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in San Francisco is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Statistical AnalysisRisk ModelingFinancial MathematicsExcelProgramming

Actuary Job Market in San Francisco

San Francisco, CA is one of America's premier job markets for Actuary professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 874K residents, San Francisco balances career opportunities with quality of life. The city's strong Technology and Finance sectors create robust demand for Actuary talent. The market for Actuary positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Actuarys in San Francisco

Wells FargoCharles SchwabVisaFirst RepublicSilicon Valley Bank

Major employers hiring Actuarys in San Francisco include Wells Fargo, Charles Schwab, Visa, First Republic, and Silicon Valley Bank. The strong financial services presence creates consistent demand for experienced Actuary professionals, with competitive compensation packages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Actuarys in San Francisco

Living in San Francisco as a Actuary means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (179% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $3,400/month (89% above the national average of $1,800). At median Actuary salary, housing is quite affordable at 18% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $2,600/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

179
Cost Index (100=avg)
$3.4K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 1
Market Size

Commuting as a Actuary in San Francisco

San Francisco BART rapid transit, Muni buses and light rail, plus ferry service. The average commute time is 34 minutes. BART connects downtown to Oakland, Berkeley, and the airport. Caltrain serves the Peninsula and South Bay tech corridor.

Best neighborhoods for Actuarys in San Francisco: Financial District (Traditional finance hub with banks and fintech); Embarcadero (Premium waterfront offices). Financial District is particularly popular among Actuary professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in California

California has relatively high state income taxes. A Actuary earning $223,750 might pay approximately $17,900 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Actuarys

The job outlook for Actuarys in San Francisco is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. As a Tier 1 market, San Francisco typically has more openings but also more competition from experienced professionals. In-demand skills include Statistical Analysis, Risk Modeling, Financial Mathematics, Excel.

Relocating to San Francisco

San Francisco has a very high cost of living. Many Actuarys negotiate relocation packages or sign-on bonuses to offset moving costs. California has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Actuary salary in San Francisco, CA?

The average Actuary salary in San Francisco, CA is $223,750 per year. Entry-level Actuarys typically start around $136,935, while experienced professionals can earn $329,360 or more. The national average for Actuary roles is $125,000.

How many Actuary jobs are available in San Francisco?

San Francisco has a robust job market with hundreds of openings for Actuary professionals. Major employers hiring Actuarys include Wells Fargo, Charles Schwab, Visa, First Republic. The Technology and Finance sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is San Francisco a good city for Actuarys?

San Francisco is an excellent choice for Actuarys. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for finance & accounting professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Actuarys in San Francisco?

Top skills for Actuarys in San Francisco include Statistical Analysis, Risk Modeling, Financial Mathematics, Excel, Programming. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Actuarys in San Francisco?

San Francisco's cost of living is significantly above the national average (179% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $3,400/month. Purchasing power in San Francisco is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Actuarys in San Francisco?

San Francisco BART rapid transit, Muni buses and light rail, plus ferry service. The average commute is 34 minutes. BART connects downtown to Oakland, Berkeley, and the airport.

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