Certified Public Accountant vs Actuary: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Certified Public Accountant
Licensed accounting professional who handles complex tax and audit engagements.
Actuary
Use statistics and mathematics to assess financial risk in insurance and finance.
Actuary earns more on average — the national median is $46,320/year (55%) higher than a Certified Public Accountant. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Certified Public Accountant vs Actuary — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Certified Public Accountant | Actuary | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $122,052 | $189,793 | Certified $67,741 |
| New York, NY | $101,470 | $158,465 | Certified $56,995 |
| Seattle, WA | $115,604 | $180,437 | Certified $64,833 |
| Austin, TX | $94,883 | $142,664 | Certified $47,781 |
| Chicago, IL | $92,214 | $140,783 | Certified $48,569 |
| Boston, MA | $107,079 | $172,745 | Certified $65,666 |
| London, UK | £67,379 | £102,352 | Certified $34,973 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$108,659 | CA$170,449 | Certified $61,790 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Certified Public Accountant or Actuary earn more?+
A Actuary earns more on average. The national median salary for a Certified Public Accountant is $83,680/year, compared to $130,000/year for a Actuary — a difference of $46,320 (55%).
Which has better career growth — Certified Public Accountant or Actuary?+
Certified Public Accountant roles are growing at 8% YoY while Actuary demand is growing at 20% YoY. Actuary has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Certified Public Accountant to Actuary?+
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 — Certified Public Accountant or Actuary?+
Actuary has a lower AI automation risk (45% vs 68%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.