Actuaries vs. Advertising Sales Agents: Who Earns More?
Actuaries out-earn Advertising Sales Agents by $65K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Actuaries land at $130,000 and Advertising Sales Agents at $64,820. The education gap is real: actuary programs typically require bachelor's degree, while advertising sales agent programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Actuaries is Connecticut ($166,800); for Advertising Sales Agents it's Washington ($101,320).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Actuaries median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Actuaries or Advertising Sales Agents?
Actuaries earn more nationally. The median is $130,000 for Actuaries versus $64,820 for Advertising Sales Agents, a difference of $65K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Actuaries or Advertising Sales Agents?
Actuaries has the better 10-year outlook at 21.8% projected growth, compared to -6.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Actuaries or Advertising Sales Agents?
Actuaries typically requires bachelor's degree. Advertising Sales Agents requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Actuaries get paid the most?
Connecticut is the top-paying state for Actuaries at $166,800/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Actuaries vs. Advertising Sales Agents pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Actuaries earn $166,230 vs. $75,030 for Advertising Sales Agents. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.