Actuaries vs. Animal Caretakers: Who Earns More?
Actuaries out-earn Animal Caretakers by $95K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Actuaries land at $130,000 and Animal Caretakers at $35,360. The education gap is real: actuary programs typically require bachelor's degree, while animal caretaker programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Actuaries is Connecticut ($166,800); for Animal Caretakers it's District of Columbia ($44,210).
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 Animal Caretakers?
Actuaries earn more nationally. The median is $130,000 for Actuaries versus $35,360 for Animal Caretakers, a difference of $95K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Actuaries or Animal Caretakers?
Actuaries has the better 10-year outlook at 21.8% projected growth, compared to 12.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Actuaries or Animal Caretakers?
Actuaries typically requires bachelor's degree. Animal Caretakers 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. Animal Caretakers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Connecticut, Actuaries earn $166,800 vs. $37,310 for Animal Caretakers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.