National Salary Overview
VS
Software Developers earns $2,620 more (2.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$124,781
$127,401
Average (Mean) Salary
$132,599
$131,905
Total Employment
23,710
1,687,370
States with Higher Pay
14
22
Salary by State: Actuaries vs Software Developers
Showing 36 states where both occupations have BLS data. Actuaries pays more in 14 states; Software Developers pays more in 22.
| State | Actuaries | Software Developers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $136,950 | $122,540 | +$14,410 | ||
| Arizona | $135,870 | $129,690 | +$6,180 | ||
| California | $130,510 | $174,410 | $-43,900 | ||
| Colorado | $120,440 | $138,390 | $-17,950 | ||
| Connecticut | $166,800 | $134,120 | +$32,680 | ||
| District of Columbia | $166,230 | $136,880 | +$29,350 | ||
| Florida | $132,110 | $130,980 | +$1,130 | ||
| Illinois | $115,430 | $132,110 | $-16,680 | ||
| Indiana | $100,690 | $105,920 | $-5,230 | ||
| Iowa | $128,690 | $114,890 | +$13,800 | ||
| Kansas | $125,010 | $113,420 | +$11,590 | ||
| Kentucky | $120,400 | $109,010 | +$11,390 | ||
| Louisiana | $80,860 | $102,800 | $-21,940 | ||
| Maine | $119,620 | $123,120 | $-3,500 | ||
| Maryland | $126,950 | $138,680 | $-11,730 | ||
| Massachusetts | $126,040 | $165,210 | $-39,170 | ||
| Michigan | $100,640 | $125,570 | $-24,930 | ||
| Minnesota | $128,100 | $130,050 | $-1,950 | ||
| Mississippi | $106,210 | $95,330 | +$10,880 | ||
| Missouri | $129,220 | $126,120 | +$3,100 | ||
| Nebraska | $102,790 | $110,900 | $-8,110 | ||
| Nevada | $132,370 | $128,810 | +$3,560 | ||
| New Jersey | $142,800 | $135,940 | +$6,860 | ||
| New York | $156,480 | $166,180 | $-9,700 | ||
| North Carolina | $128,730 | $134,710 | $-5,980 | ||
| Ohio | $110,980 | $114,090 | $-3,110 | ||
| Oklahoma | $109,760 | $118,100 | $-8,340 | ||
| Oregon | $130,380 | $142,720 | $-12,340 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $125,040 | $126,550 | $-1,510 | ||
| Rhode Island | $111,090 | $130,590 | $-19,500 | ||
| Tennessee | $108,930 | $122,430 | $-13,500 | ||
| Texas | $105,020 | $132,150 | $-27,130 | ||
| Utah | $132,720 | $128,810 | +$3,910 | ||
| Virginia | $131,900 | $136,460 | $-4,560 | ||
| Washington | $134,720 | $166,540 | $-31,820 | ||
| Wisconsin | $131,640 | $122,660 | +$8,980 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Actuaries vs Software Developers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $2,620 (2.1%) based on 2025 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 14 out of 36 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Software Developers pays more in 22 states.
What is the median salary for a Actuaries vs Software Developers?
The national median salary for a Actuaries is $124,781 per year, compared to $127,401 for a Software Developers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Actuaries or Software Developers?
There are more people employed as Software Developers. BLS reports approximately 23,710 Actuaries positions and 1,687,370 Software Developers positions nationwide (2025).
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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