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Actuaries vs Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Actuaries

Median Salary
$124,781
Average (Mean)
$132,599
Employed Nationwide
23,710
VS

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Median Salary
$98,316
Average (Mean)
$101,534
Employed Nationwide
181,930
Actuaries earns $26,464 more (26.9%)
Actuaries vs Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.ActuariesActuariesActuaries: $124,781$124,781Software Quality Assurance Analysts and TestersSoftware Quality Assurance A…Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers: $98,317$98,317

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $124,781 $98,316
Average (Mean) Salary $132,599 $101,534
Total Employment 23,710 181,930
States with Higher Pay 34 1

Salary by State: Actuaries vs Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Showing 35 states where both occupations have BLS data. Actuaries pays more in 34 states; Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers pays more in 1.

State Actuaries Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Difference
Alabama $136,950
$101,500
+$35,450
Arizona $135,870
$100,650
+$35,220
California $130,510
$128,740
+$1,770
Colorado $120,440
$123,690
$-3,250
Connecticut $166,800
$97,740
+$69,060
District of Columbia $166,230
$103,340
+$62,890
Florida $132,110
$100,210
+$31,900
Illinois $115,430
$104,910
+$10,520
Indiana $100,690
$87,020
+$13,670
Iowa $128,690
$88,590
+$40,100
Kansas $125,010
$94,490
+$30,520
Kentucky $120,400
$79,100
+$41,300
Louisiana $80,860
$66,810
+$14,050
Maine $119,620
$86,050
+$33,570
Maryland $126,950
$111,100
+$15,850
Massachusetts $126,040
$122,210
+$3,830
Michigan $100,640
$98,720
+$1,920
Minnesota $128,100
$101,700
+$26,400
Mississippi $106,210
$79,890
+$26,320
Missouri $129,220
$85,530
+$43,690
Nebraska $102,790
$98,010
+$4,780
New Jersey $142,800
$119,470
+$23,330
New York $156,480
$121,240
+$35,240
North Carolina $128,730
$100,390
+$28,340
Ohio $110,980
$98,000
+$12,980
Oklahoma $109,760
$77,700
+$32,060
Oregon $130,380
$108,440
+$21,940
Pennsylvania $125,040
$93,030
+$32,010
Rhode Island $111,090
$101,790
+$9,300
Tennessee $108,930
$91,040
+$17,890
Texas $105,020
$101,850
+$3,170
Utah $132,720
$82,100
+$50,620
Virginia $131,900
$121,590
+$10,310
Washington $134,720
$128,480
+$6,240
Wisconsin $131,640
$89,400
+$42,240

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Actuaries vs Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Actuaries or Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
On average across all states, a Actuaries earns more than a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers. The national median salary difference is $26,464 (26.9%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Actuaries earn more than a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
A Actuaries earns a higher median salary than a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in 34 out of 35 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers pays more in 1 states.
What is the median salary for a Actuaries vs Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
The national median salary for a Actuaries is $124,781 per year, compared to $98,316 for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Actuaries or Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
There are more people employed as Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers. BLS reports approximately 23,710 Actuaries positions and 181,930 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Actuaries or Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Both Actuaries and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers 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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