National Salary Overview
VS
Actuaries earns $17,499 more (16.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$124,781
$107,281
Average (Mean) Salary
$132,599
$113,686
Total Employment
23,710
261,640
States with Higher Pay
30
6
Salary by State: Actuaries vs Data Scientists
Showing 36 states where both occupations have BLS data. Actuaries pays more in 30 states; Data Scientists pays more in 6.
| State | Actuaries | Data Scientists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $136,950 | $103,120 | +$33,830 | ||
| Arizona | $135,870 | $107,240 | +$28,630 | ||
| California | $130,510 | $141,590 | $-11,080 | ||
| Colorado | $120,440 | $117,400 | +$3,040 | ||
| Connecticut | $166,800 | $126,340 | +$40,460 | ||
| District of Columbia | $166,230 | $126,490 | +$39,740 | ||
| Florida | $132,110 | $115,820 | +$16,290 | ||
| Illinois | $115,430 | $106,560 | +$8,870 | ||
| Indiana | $100,690 | $91,470 | +$9,220 | ||
| Iowa | $128,690 | $95,830 | +$32,860 | ||
| Kansas | $125,010 | $98,130 | +$26,880 | ||
| Kentucky | $120,400 | $91,760 | +$28,640 | ||
| Louisiana | $80,860 | $78,760 | +$2,100 | ||
| Maine | $119,620 | $90,880 | +$28,740 | ||
| Maryland | $126,950 | $136,370 | $-9,420 | ||
| Massachusetts | $126,040 | $131,750 | $-5,710 | ||
| Michigan | $100,640 | $100,590 | +$50 | ||
| Minnesota | $128,100 | $128,800 | $-700 | ||
| Mississippi | $106,210 | $69,490 | +$36,720 | ||
| Missouri | $129,220 | $97,090 | +$32,130 | ||
| Nebraska | $102,790 | $98,230 | +$4,560 | ||
| Nevada | $132,370 | $98,540 | +$33,830 | ||
| New Jersey | $142,800 | $135,280 | +$7,520 | ||
| New York | $156,480 | $130,460 | +$26,020 | ||
| North Carolina | $128,730 | $119,090 | +$9,640 | ||
| Ohio | $110,980 | $102,630 | +$8,350 | ||
| Oklahoma | $109,760 | $86,310 | +$23,450 | ||
| Oregon | $130,380 | $125,990 | +$4,390 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $125,040 | $106,850 | +$18,190 | ||
| Rhode Island | $111,090 | $102,440 | +$8,650 | ||
| Tennessee | $108,930 | $100,330 | +$8,600 | ||
| Texas | $105,020 | $122,090 | $-17,070 | ||
| Utah | $132,720 | $108,090 | +$24,630 | ||
| Virginia | $131,900 | $126,430 | +$5,470 | ||
| Washington | $134,720 | $163,350 | $-28,630 | ||
| Wisconsin | $131,640 | $106,680 | +$24,960 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Actuaries vs Data Scientists salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Actuaries or Data Scientists?
On average across all states, a Actuaries earns more than a Data Scientists. The national median salary difference is $17,499 (16.3%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Actuaries earn more than a Data Scientists?
A Actuaries earns a higher median salary than a Data Scientists in 30 out of 36 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Data Scientists pays more in 6 states.
What is the median salary for a Actuaries vs Data Scientists?
The national median salary for a Actuaries is $124,781 per year, compared to $107,281 for a Data Scientists, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Actuaries or Data Scientists?
There are more people employed as Data Scientists. BLS reports approximately 23,710 Actuaries positions and 261,640 Data Scientists positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Actuaries or Data Scientists?
Both Actuaries and Data Scientists 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.
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