Actuary vs Chief Financial Officer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Actuary
Use statistics and mathematics to assess financial risk in insurance and finance.
Chief Financial Officer
Lead financial planning, reporting, and risk management for the organisation.
Chief Financial Officer earns more on average — the national median is $36,570/year (28%) higher than a Actuary. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Actuary vs Chief Financial Officer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Actuary | Chief Financial Officer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $189,793 | $247,058 | Actuary $57,265 |
| New York, NY | $158,465 | $198,791 | Actuary $40,326 |
| Seattle, WA | $180,437 | $230,837 | Actuary $50,400 |
| Austin, TX | $142,664 | $190,160 | Actuary $47,496 |
| Chicago, IL | $140,783 | $173,541 | Actuary $32,758 |
| Boston, MA | $172,745 | $212,364 | Actuary $39,619 |
| London, UK | £102,352 | £128,871 | Actuary $26,519 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$170,449 | CA$220,071 | Actuary $49,622 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Actuary or Chief Financial Officer earn more?+
A Chief Financial Officer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Actuary is $130,000/year, compared to $166,570/year for a Chief Financial Officer — a difference of $36,570 (28%).
Which has better career growth — Actuary or Chief Financial Officer?+
Actuary roles are growing at 20% YoY while Chief Financial Officer demand is growing at 5% YoY. Actuary has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Actuary to Chief Financial Officer?+
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 — Actuary or Chief Financial Officer?+
Chief Financial Officer has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.