Actuaries vs. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians: Who Earns More?
Actuaries out-earn Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians by $47K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Actuaries land at $130,000 and Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians at $82,890. The education gap is real: actuary programs typically require bachelor's degree, while aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technician programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Actuaries is Connecticut ($166,800); for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians it's Washington ($125,160).
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 Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians?
Actuaries earn more nationally. The median is $130,000 for Actuaries versus $82,890 for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians, a difference of $47K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Actuaries or Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians?
Actuaries has the better 10-year outlook at 21.8% projected growth, compared to 8.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Actuaries or Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians?
Actuaries typically requires bachelor's degree. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians requires bachelor's degree. 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. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Connecticut, Actuaries earn $166,800 vs. $79,410 for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.