Financial Analyst vs Actuary: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Financial Analyst
Analyse financial data and prepare reports to support investment and business decisions.
Actuary
Use statistics and mathematics to assess financial risk in insurance and finance.
Actuary earns more on average — the national median is $27,260/year (27%) higher than a Financial Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Financial Analyst vs Actuary — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Financial Analyst | Actuary | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $146,829 | $189,793 | Financial $42,964 |
| New York, NY | $122,253 | $158,465 | Financial $36,212 |
| Seattle, WA | $143,125 | $180,437 | Financial $37,312 |
| Austin, TX | $111,407 | $142,664 | Financial $31,257 |
| Chicago, IL | $110,355 | $140,783 | Financial $30,428 |
| Boston, MA | $135,080 | $172,745 | Financial $37,665 |
| London, UK | £82,870 | £102,352 | Financial $19,482 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$111,014 | CA$170,449 | Financial $59,435 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Financial Analyst or Actuary earn more?+
A Actuary earns more on average. The national median salary for a Financial Analyst is $102,740/year, compared to $130,000/year for a Actuary — a difference of $27,260 (27%).
Which has better career growth — Financial Analyst or Actuary?+
Financial Analyst roles are growing at 9% YoY while Actuary demand is growing at 20% YoY. Actuary has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Financial Analyst 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 Analyst or Actuary?+
Actuary has a lower AI automation risk (45% vs 65%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.