Actuary · Salary Comparison · 2026
Actuary Salary: San Diego, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Actuarys in San Diego, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$128,000 vs $150,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$84,211 vs $92,593
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$70,574 vs $85,556
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $128,000 | $150,000▲ | -$22,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,560 | $115,500▲ | -$16,940 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,840 | $192,000▲ | -$28,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $204,800 | $240,000▲ | -$35,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152 | 162 | -10 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $84,211 | $92,593▲ | -$8,382 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $107,273 | $138,600▲ | -$31,327 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $70,574 | $85,556▲ | -$14,982 |
| Total Employment | 19,200 | 46,400 | -27,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = San Diego, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $22,000 more (median: $128,000 vs $150,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 152 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($84,211 vs $92,593 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.