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Salary comparison

Actuaries vs. Animal Breeders: Who Earns More?

Actuaries out-earn Animal Breeders by $79K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Actuaries land at $130,000 and Animal Breeders at $51,130. The education gap is real: actuary programs typically require bachelor's degree, while animal breeder programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Actuaries is Connecticut ($166,800); for Animal Breeders it's Ohio ($68,980).

Actuaries
Animal Breeders
Median salary
$130,000
$51,130
Hourly rate
$62.5/hr
$24.58/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$78,570
$38,480
Senior level (90th %)
$215,100
$90,550
Education required
Bachelor's degree
No formal educational credential
U.S. employment
26,670
1,330
Job growth (10-year)
21.8%
2.4%
Category
Technology
Farming & Fishing
Top-paying state
Connecticut
Ohio

Pay by state

States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Actuaries median pay.

State
Actuaries
Animal Breeders
New York
$156,480
$48,350
Alabama
$136,950
$53,200
Wisconsin
$131,640
$51,130
California
$130,510
$59,280
Minnesota
$128,100
$47,900
Ohio
$110,980
$68,980
Texas
$105,020
$48,410
Nebraska
$102,790
$40,220

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.

Common questions

Who earns more, Actuaries or Animal Breeders?

Actuaries earn more nationally. The median is $130,000 for Actuaries versus $51,130 for Animal Breeders, a difference of $79K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.

Which has better job growth, Actuaries or Animal Breeders?

Actuaries has the better 10-year outlook at 21.8% projected growth, compared to 2.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.

Which requires more education, Actuaries or Animal Breeders?

Actuaries typically requires bachelor's degree. Animal Breeders requires no formal educational credential. 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. Animal Breeders pay differ by state?

The gap varies significantly by state. In New York, Actuaries earn $156,480 vs. $48,350 for Animal Breeders. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.

Full Actuaries salary breakdownView →Full Animal Breeders salary breakdownView →Best cities for Actuaries by take-home payExplore →Best cities for Animal Breeders by take-home payExplore →How to become a actuariesGuide →How to become a animal breedersGuide →