Actuaries vs. Aerospace Engineers: Who Earns More?
Aerospace Engineers out-earn Actuaries by $5K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Actuaries land at $130,000 and Aerospace Engineers at $134,960. The education gap is real: actuary programs typically require bachelor's degree, while aerospace engineer programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Actuaries is Connecticut ($166,800); for Aerospace Engineers it's Minnesota ($159,060).
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 Engineers?
Aerospace Engineers earn more nationally. The median is $130,000 for Actuaries versus $134,960 for Aerospace Engineers, a difference of $5K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Actuaries or Aerospace Engineers?
Actuaries has the better 10-year outlook at 21.8% projected growth, compared to 6.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Actuaries or Aerospace Engineers?
Actuaries typically requires bachelor's degree. Aerospace Engineers 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 Engineers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Actuaries earn $166,230 vs. $157,600 for Aerospace Engineers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.