Financial Advisor vs Actuary: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Financial Advisor
Provide personalised financial planning and investment advice to clients.
Actuary
Use statistics and mathematics to assess financial risk in insurance and finance.
Actuary earns more on average — the national median is $24,930/year (24%) higher than a Financial Advisor. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Financial Advisor vs Actuary — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Financial Advisor | Actuary | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $155,208 | $189,793 | Financial $34,585 |
| New York, NY | $123,872 | $158,465 | Financial $34,593 |
| Seattle, WA | $147,914 | $180,437 | Financial $32,523 |
| Austin, TX | $120,423 | $142,664 | Financial $22,241 |
| Chicago, IL | $115,593 | $140,783 | Financial $25,190 |
| Boston, MA | $138,889 | $172,745 | Financial $33,856 |
| London, UK | £82,815 | £102,352 | Financial $19,537 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,369 | CA$170,449 | Financial $35,080 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Financial Advisor or Actuary earn more?+
A Actuary earns more on average. The national median salary for a Financial Advisor is $105,070/year, compared to $130,000/year for a Actuary — a difference of $24,930 (24%).
Which has better career growth — Financial Advisor or Actuary?+
Financial Advisor roles are growing at 15% YoY while Actuary demand is growing at 20% YoY. Actuary has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Financial Advisor 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 — Financial Advisor or Actuary?+
Financial Advisor has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.