Financial Controller vs Actuary: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Financial Controller
Oversee accounting operations and ensure financial reporting accuracy.
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 Financial Controller. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Financial Controller vs Actuary — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Financial Controller | Actuary | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $118,608 | $189,793 | Financial $71,185 |
| New York, NY | $99,857 | $158,465 | Financial $58,608 |
| Seattle, WA | $116,840 | $180,437 | Financial $63,597 |
| Austin, TX | $95,143 | $142,664 | Financial $47,521 |
| Chicago, IL | $87,358 | $140,783 | Financial $53,425 |
| Boston, MA | $111,873 | $172,745 | Financial $60,872 |
| London, UK | £66,637 | £102,352 | Financial $35,715 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$108,997 | CA$170,449 | Financial $61,452 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Financial Controller or Actuary earn more?+
A Actuary earns more on average. The national median salary for a Financial Controller is $83,680/year, compared to $130,000/year for a Actuary — a difference of $46,320 (55%).
Which has better career growth — Financial Controller or Actuary?+
Financial Controller 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 Financial Controller 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 Controller or Actuary?+
Actuary has a lower AI automation risk (45% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.