Accountant vs Actuary: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Accountant
Prepare and examine financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Actuary
Use statistics and mathematics to assess financial risk in insurance and finance.
Actuary earns more on average — the national median is $46,320/year (55%) higher than a Accountant. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Accountant vs Actuary — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Accountant | Actuary | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $122,756 | $189,793 | Accountant $67,037 |
| New York, NY | $99,513 | $158,465 | Accountant $58,952 |
| Seattle, WA | $117,197 | $180,437 | Accountant $63,240 |
| Austin, TX | $94,568 | $142,664 | Accountant $48,096 |
| Chicago, IL | $88,290 | $140,783 | Accountant $52,493 |
| Boston, MA | $106,405 | $172,745 | Accountant $66,340 |
| London, UK | £62,254 | £102,352 | Accountant $40,098 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$170,449 | Accountant $75,835 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Accountant or Actuary earn more?+
A Actuary earns more on average. The national median salary for a Accountant is $83,680/year, compared to $130,000/year for a Actuary — a difference of $46,320 (55%).
Which has better career growth — Accountant or Actuary?+
Accountant roles are growing at 6% YoY while Actuary demand is growing at 20% YoY. Actuary has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Accountant to Actuary?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Accountant or Actuary?+
Actuary has a lower AI automation risk (45% vs 78%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.