San Diego vs Santa Rosa: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance agent salaries between San Diego, CA and Santa Rosa, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Santa Rosa, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,793 | $82,548▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.36 | $39.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,568▲ | $42,766 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,010▲ | $54,659 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,988 | $110,282▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,246 | $183,403▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,680▲ | 440 |
Verdict
Santa Rosa, CA offers better overall compensation for insurance agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Diego and Santa Rosa is $2,755 (3.45%). Santa Rosa's median is +27.94% compared to the US national median of $64,522.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $123,678,Santa Rosa spans $140,637. Santa Rosa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced insurance agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Santa Rosa ($76,587 effective) pays 7.39% more than San Diego ($71,316 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Rosa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,548/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($183,403)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,587)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in San Diego grew 42.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.9% growth in Santa Rosa over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$54,030 (2019) → $77,020 (2025)
Santa Rosa, CA
$64,290 (2019) → $79,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Santa Rosa, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance agents more: San Diego or Santa Rosa?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Santa Rosa?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Santa Rosa as a insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in San Diego vs Santa Rosa?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.60% 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 Jordan Lee, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov