Actuary vs Tax Specialist: 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.
Tax Specialist
Prepare and file complex tax returns and provide tax planning advice.
Actuary earns more on average — the national median is $75,080/year (137%) higher than a Tax Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Actuary vs Tax Specialist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Actuary | Tax Specialist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $189,793 | $80,350 | Actuary +$109,443 |
| New York, NY | $158,465 | $65,891 | Actuary +$92,574 |
| Seattle, WA | $180,437 | $77,041 | Actuary +$103,396 |
| Austin, TX | $142,664 | $60,677 | Actuary +$81,987 |
| Chicago, IL | $140,783 | $57,952 | Actuary +$82,831 |
| Boston, MA | $172,745 | $70,883 | Actuary +$101,862 |
| London, UK | £102,352 | £43,747 | Actuary +$58,605 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$170,449 | CA$70,770 | Actuary +$99,679 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Actuary or Tax Specialist earn more?+
A Actuary earns more on average. The national median salary for a Actuary is $130,000/year, compared to $54,920/year for a Tax Specialist — a difference of $75,080 (137%).
Which has better career growth — Actuary or Tax Specialist?+
Actuary roles are growing at 20% YoY while Tax Specialist demand is growing at 8% YoY. Actuary has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Actuary to Tax Specialist?+
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 Tax Specialist?+
Actuary has a lower AI automation risk (45% vs 72%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.