National Salary Overview
VS
Software Developers earns $5,930 more (5.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$112,819
$118,749
Average (Mean) Salary
$124,936
$123,645
Total Employment
25,160
1,656,880
States with Higher Pay
15
25
Salary by State: Actuaries vs Software Developers
Showing 40 states where both occupations have BLS data. Actuaries pays more in 15 states; Software Developers pays more in 25.
| State | Actuaries | Software Developers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $102,010 | $102,730 | $-720 | ||
| Arizona | $122,800 | $123,180 | $-380 | ||
| California | $120,650 | $168,660 | $-48,010 | ||
| Colorado | $131,110 | $134,960 | $-3,850 | ||
| Connecticut | $133,380 | $125,080 | +$8,300 | ||
| District of Columbia | $145,600 | $140,360 | +$5,240 | ||
| Florida | $105,790 | $122,310 | $-16,520 | ||
| Georgia | $128,200 | $127,070 | +$1,130 | ||
| Illinois | $119,650 | $126,200 | $-6,550 | ||
| Indiana | $82,310 | $105,740 | $-23,430 | ||
| Iowa | $119,790 | $105,920 | +$13,870 | ||
| Kansas | $121,730 | $104,250 | +$17,480 | ||
| Kentucky | $104,430 | $103,030 | +$1,400 | ||
| Louisiana | $82,470 | $104,840 | $-22,370 | ||
| Maine | $119,090 | $113,190 | +$5,900 | ||
| Maryland | $105,440 | $138,050 | $-32,610 | ||
| Massachusetts | $135,000 | $137,130 | $-2,130 | ||
| Michigan | $93,250 | $103,830 | $-10,580 | ||
| Minnesota | $104,020 | $125,380 | $-21,360 | ||
| Mississippi | $97,620 | $85,190 | +$12,430 | ||
| Missouri | $106,840 | $104,600 | +$2,240 | ||
| Nebraska | $104,730 | $109,800 | $-5,070 | ||
| Nevada | $100,540 | $125,590 | $-25,050 | ||
| New Hampshire | $136,550 | $128,860 | +$7,690 | ||
| New Jersey | $135,710 | $131,680 | +$4,030 | ||
| New York | $140,760 | $145,470 | $-4,710 | ||
| North Carolina | $130,190 | $130,620 | $-430 | ||
| Ohio | $112,230 | $107,560 | +$4,670 | ||
| Oklahoma | $86,050 | $104,030 | $-17,980 | ||
| Oregon | $122,430 | $130,000 | $-7,570 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $116,880 | $111,910 | +$4,970 | ||
| Rhode Island | $106,890 | $128,990 | $-22,100 | ||
| South Carolina | $93,250 | $111,130 | $-17,880 | ||
| South Dakota | $108,790 | $82,850 | +$25,940 | ||
| Tennessee | $97,890 | $110,660 | $-12,770 | ||
| Texas | $108,770 | $127,000 | $-18,230 | ||
| Utah | $72,450 | $116,830 | $-44,380 | ||
| Virginia | $117,670 | $135,040 | $-17,370 | ||
| Washington | $132,980 | $162,390 | $-29,410 | ||
| Wisconsin | $106,840 | $102,660 | +$4,180 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Actuaries or Software Developers?
On average across all states, a Software Developers earns more than a Actuaries. The national median salary difference is $5,930 (5.3%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Actuaries earn more than a Software Developers?
A Actuaries earns a higher median salary than a Software Developers in 15 out of 40 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Software Developers pays more in 25 states.
What is the median salary for a Actuaries vs Software Developers?
The national median salary for a Actuaries is $112,819 per year, compared to $118,749 for a Software Developers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Actuaries or Software Developers?
There are more people employed as Software Developers. BLS reports approximately 25,160 Actuaries positions and 1,656,880 Software Developers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Actuaries or Software Developers?
Both Actuaries and Software Developers 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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