Actuary vs Insurance Agent: 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.
Insurance Agent
Sell and service insurance products for individuals and businesses.
Actuary earns more on average — the national median is $77,425/year (147%) higher than a Insurance Agent. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Actuary vs Insurance Agent — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Actuary | Insurance Agent | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $189,793 | $76,630 | Actuary +$113,163 |
| New York, NY | $158,465 | $64,658 | Actuary +$93,807 |
| Seattle, WA | $180,437 | $76,490 | Actuary +$103,947 |
| Austin, TX | $142,664 | $60,418 | Actuary +$82,246 |
| Chicago, IL | $140,783 | $56,339 | Actuary +$84,444 |
| Boston, MA | $172,745 | $67,008 | Actuary +$105,737 |
| London, UK | £102,352 | £40,898 | Actuary +$61,454 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$170,449 | CA$71,763 | Actuary +$98,686 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Actuary or Insurance Agent earn more?+
A Actuary earns more on average. The national median salary for a Actuary is $130,000/year, compared to $52,575/year for a Insurance Agent — a difference of $77,425 (147%).
Which has better career growth — Actuary or Insurance Agent?+
Actuary roles are growing at 20% YoY while Insurance Agent demand is growing at 6% YoY. Actuary has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Actuary to Insurance Agent?+
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 Insurance Agent?+
Insurance Agent has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.