Actuaries vs Computer Programmers: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Actuaries

Median Salary
$112,819
Average (Mean)
$124,936
Employed Nationwide
25,160
VS

Computer Programmers

Median Salary
$93,530
Average (Mean)
$98,419
Employed Nationwide
115,880
Actuaries earns $19,288 more (20.6%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $112,819 $93,530
Average (Mean) Salary $124,936 $98,419
Total Employment 25,160 115,880
States with Higher Pay 34 5

Salary by State: Actuaries vs Computer Programmers

Showing 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. Actuaries pays more in 34 states; Computer Programmers pays more in 5.

State Actuaries Computer Programmers Difference
Alabama $102,010
$100,920
+$1,090
Arizona $122,800
$92,850
+$29,950
California $120,650
$114,780
+$5,870
Colorado $131,110
$99,650
+$31,460
Connecticut $133,380
$102,560
+$30,820
District of Columbia $145,600
$80,470
+$65,130
Florida $105,790
$87,280
+$18,510
Georgia $128,200
$90,100
+$38,100
Illinois $119,650
$86,240
+$33,410
Indiana $82,310
$81,830
+$480
Iowa $119,790
$82,290
+$37,500
Kansas $121,730
$88,030
+$33,700
Kentucky $104,430
$88,910
+$15,520
Maine $119,090
$83,560
+$35,530
Maryland $105,440
$103,380
+$2,060
Massachusetts $135,000
$112,820
+$22,180
Michigan $93,250
$82,420
+$10,830
Minnesota $104,020
$100,810
+$3,210
Mississippi $97,620
$63,470
+$34,150
Missouri $106,840
$72,330
+$34,510
Nebraska $104,730
$99,930
+$4,800
Nevada $100,540
$93,430
+$7,110
New Hampshire $136,550
$96,340
+$40,210
New Jersey $135,710
$108,760
+$26,950
New York $140,760
$102,370
+$38,390
North Carolina $130,190
$101,700
+$28,490
Ohio $112,230
$78,710
+$33,520
Oklahoma $86,050
$107,990
$-21,940
Oregon $122,430
$112,270
+$10,160
Pennsylvania $116,880
$85,160
+$31,720
Rhode Island $106,890
$88,600
+$18,290
South Carolina $93,250
$102,320
$-9,070
South Dakota $108,790
$55,000
+$53,790
Tennessee $97,890
$118,080
$-20,190
Texas $108,770
$99,180
+$9,590
Utah $72,450
$93,970
$-21,520
Virginia $117,670
$98,660
+$19,010
Washington $132,980
$162,440
$-29,460
Wisconsin $106,840
$89,250
+$17,590

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Actuaries or Computer Programmers?
On average across all states, a Actuaries earns more than a Computer Programmers. The national median salary difference is $19,288 (20.6%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Actuaries earn more than a Computer Programmers?
A Actuaries earns a higher median salary than a Computer Programmers in 34 out of 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Computer Programmers pays more in 5 states.
What is the median salary for a Actuaries vs Computer Programmers?
The national median salary for a Actuaries is $112,819 per year, compared to $93,530 for a Computer Programmers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Actuaries or Computer Programmers?
There are more people employed as Computer Programmers. BLS reports approximately 25,160 Actuaries positions and 115,880 Computer Programmers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Actuaries or Computer Programmers?
Both Actuaries and Computer Programmers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.

Compare After-Tax Take-Home Pay

See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.