Actuary vs ESG Analyst: 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.
ESG Analyst
Assess environmental, social, and governance factors in investment decisions.
Actuary earns more on average — the national median is $27,260/year (27%) higher than a ESG Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Actuary vs ESG Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Actuary | ESG Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $189,793 | $150,970 | Actuary +$38,823 |
| New York, NY | $158,465 | $128,930 | Actuary +$29,535 |
| Seattle, WA | $180,437 | $150,261 | Actuary +$30,176 |
| Austin, TX | $142,664 | $111,571 | Actuary +$31,093 |
| Chicago, IL | $140,783 | $112,333 | Actuary +$28,450 |
| Boston, MA | $172,745 | $134,464 | Actuary +$38,281 |
| London, UK | £102,352 | £81,801 | Actuary +$20,551 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$170,449 | CA$133,398 | Actuary +$37,051 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Actuary or ESG Analyst earn more?+
A Actuary earns more on average. The national median salary for a Actuary is $130,000/year, compared to $102,740/year for a ESG Analyst — a difference of $27,260 (27%).
Which has better career growth — Actuary or ESG Analyst?+
Actuary roles are growing at 20% YoY while ESG Analyst demand is growing at 35% YoY. ESG Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Actuary to ESG Analyst?+
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 ESG Analyst?+
ESG Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.