Actuary vs Loan 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.
Loan Officer
Evaluate and approve loan applications for individuals and businesses.
Actuary earns more on average — the national median is $53,310/year (70%) higher than a Loan Officer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Actuary vs Loan Officer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Actuary | Loan Officer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $189,793 | $112,457 | Actuary +$77,336 |
| New York, NY | $158,465 | $90,395 | Actuary +$68,070 |
| Seattle, WA | $180,437 | $110,029 | Actuary +$70,408 |
| Austin, TX | $142,664 | $83,164 | Actuary +$59,500 |
| Chicago, IL | $140,783 | $84,407 | Actuary +$56,376 |
| Boston, MA | $172,745 | $100,682 | Actuary +$72,063 |
| London, UK | £102,352 | £59,291 | Actuary +$43,061 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$170,449 | CA$104,403 | Actuary +$66,046 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Actuary or Loan Officer earn more?+
A Actuary earns more on average. The national median salary for a Actuary is $130,000/year, compared to $76,690/year for a Loan Officer — a difference of $53,310 (70%).
Which has better career growth — Actuary or Loan Officer?+
Actuary roles are growing at 20% YoY while Loan Officer demand is growing at 6% YoY. Actuary has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Actuary to Loan 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 Loan Officer?+
Actuary has a lower AI automation risk (45% vs 80%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.