Actuaries vs. Software Developers: Who Earns More?
Software Developers out-earn Actuaries by $6K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Actuaries land at $130,000 and Software Developers at $135,980. The education gap is real: actuary programs typically require bachelor's degree, while software developer programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Actuaries is Connecticut ($166,800); for Software Developers it's California ($174,410).
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 Software Developers?
Software Developers earn more nationally. The median is $130,000 for Actuaries versus $135,980 for Software Developers, a difference of $6K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Actuaries or Software Developers?
Actuaries has the better 10-year outlook at 21.8% projected growth, compared to 15.8% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Actuaries or Software Developers?
Actuaries typically requires bachelor's degree. Software Developers 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. Software Developers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Connecticut, Actuaries earn $166,800 vs. $134,120 for Software Developers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.