Quantitative Analyst vs Actuary: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Quantitative Analyst
Build mathematical models for pricing, risk management, and algorithmic trading.
Actuary
Use statistics and mathematics to assess financial risk in insurance and finance.
Actuary earns more on average — the national median is $24,350/year (23%) higher than a Quantitative Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Quantitative Analyst vs Actuary — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Quantitative Analyst | Actuary | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $155,771 | $189,793 | Quantitative $34,022 |
| New York, NY | $130,092 | $158,465 | Quantitative $28,373 |
| Seattle, WA | $151,610 | $180,437 | Quantitative $28,827 |
| Austin, TX | $116,913 | $142,664 | Quantitative $25,751 |
| Chicago, IL | $113,324 | $140,783 | Quantitative $27,459 |
| Boston, MA | $140,826 | $172,745 | Quantitative $31,919 |
| London, UK | £80,687 | £102,352 | Quantitative $21,665 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$142,880 | CA$170,449 | Quantitative $27,569 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Quantitative Analyst or Actuary earn more?+
A Actuary earns more on average. The national median salary for a Quantitative Analyst is $105,650/year, compared to $130,000/year for a Actuary — a difference of $24,350 (23%).
Which has better career growth — Quantitative Analyst or Actuary?+
Quantitative Analyst roles are growing at 18% YoY while Actuary demand is growing at 20% YoY. Actuary has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Quantitative Analyst to Actuary?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: R, Statistics.
Which is harder to automate — Quantitative Analyst or Actuary?+
Quantitative Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.