Salary Levels by Experience
| Experience Level | Salary Range | Est. Annual Net |
|---|---|---|
| Actuarial Analyst (no exams) | $78,000–$95,000 | ~$64,925 |
| Associate Actuary (ASA/ACAS) | $113,000–$160,000 | ~$95,087 |
| Fellow Actuary (FSA/FCAS) | $157,000–$200,000 | ~$120,036 |
| Principal / Chief Actuary | $194,000–$286,000 | ~$157,589 |
Tax Breakdown at $149,000 (Bi-Weekly)
| Component | Per Paycheck | Annual | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Pay | $5,730.77 | $149,000 | 100% |
| Federal Income Tax | −$961.81 | −$25,007 | 16.8% |
| CA State Income Tax | −$389.50 | −$10,127 | 6.8% |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | −$438.42 | −$11,399 | 7.7% |
| Net Take-Home | $3,941 | ~$102,468 | 68.8% |
What Drives Actuary Pay in San Francisco
Actuaries in NYC apply statistical and mathematical models to assess risk for insurance companies, pension funds, and financial institutions. The city's dense concentration of major insurers and reinsurers makes it one of the top markets for actuarial talent in the country.
New York's insurance and reinsurance sector — anchored by firms like MetLife, AIG, and Munich Re — drives strong demand for credentialed actuaries. Exam progress is the single biggest lever on pay: each passed exam typically adds $5,000–$10,000 to base salary. Fellows with FSA or FCAS credentials command top-of-market compensation, especially in life, health, or property-casualty specialties.
- Number of actuarial exams passed (ASA vs. FSA/FCAS)
- Specialty: life, health, P&C, or pension
- Consulting vs. in-house insurance role
- Years of post-credential experience
Top San Francisco Employers
Major employers hiring actuarys in San Francisco include: Wells Fargo HQ, Charles Schwab, First Republic, Visa.
Tax note: At a $138,000 salary, New York City residents face a combined federal, New York State, and NYC local income tax burden of roughly 38–41%, leaving an estimated take-home of about $82,000–$86,000 per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
A actuary earning $149,000 in San Francisco takes home approximately $102,468 per year, or $3,941 per bi-weekly paycheck, after all taxes. The effective tax rate is 31.2%.
San Francisco actuary salaries range from $78,000–$95,000 at entry level to $194,000–$286,000 for senior professionals. The median mid-career salary is approximately $149,000.
Yes — San Francisco actuaries typically earn 20–30% above the national median due to the city's high cost of living and concentration of major insurers and financial firms. A Fellow Actuary who earns $160,000 nationally might command $185,000–$210,000 in San Francisco.
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