Actuary vs Private Equity 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.
Private Equity Analyst
Source and evaluate acquisition targets and support portfolio company operations.
Actuary earns more on average — the national median is $27,260/year (27%) higher than a Private Equity Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Actuary vs Private Equity Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Actuary | Private Equity Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $189,793 | $151,322 | Actuary +$38,471 |
| New York, NY | $158,465 | $126,878 | Actuary +$31,587 |
| Seattle, WA | $180,437 | $147,172 | Actuary +$33,265 |
| Austin, TX | $142,664 | $116,906 | Actuary +$25,758 |
| Chicago, IL | $140,783 | $111,730 | Actuary +$29,053 |
| Boston, MA | $172,745 | $134,203 | Actuary +$38,542 |
| London, UK | £102,352 | £79,218 | Actuary +$23,134 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$170,449 | CA$134,781 | Actuary +$35,668 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Actuary or Private Equity 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 Private Equity Analyst — a difference of $27,260 (27%).
Which has better career growth — Actuary or Private Equity Analyst?+
Actuary roles are growing at 20% YoY while Private Equity Analyst demand is growing at 12% YoY. Actuary has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Actuary to Private Equity 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 Private Equity Analyst?+
Private Equity Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.