Actuaries vs. Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers: Who Earns More?
Actuaries out-earn Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers by $65K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Actuaries land at $130,000 and Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers at $65,380. The education gap is real: actuary programs typically require bachelor's degree, while aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assembler programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Actuaries is Connecticut ($166,800); for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers it's Washington ($110,470).
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 Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers?
Actuaries earn more nationally. The median is $130,000 for Actuaries versus $65,380 for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers, a difference of $65K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Actuaries or Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers?
Actuaries has the better 10-year outlook at 21.8% projected growth, compared to -14.5% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Actuaries or Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers?
Actuaries typically requires bachelor's degree. Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers 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. Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Connecticut, Actuaries earn $166,800 vs. $78,630 for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.