Actuaries vs. Software Developers: Who Earns More?
Software Developerss out-earn Actuariess by $6K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Actuariess land at $130,000 and Software Developerss 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 Actuariess is Connecticut ($166,800); for Software Developerss 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, Actuariess or Software Developerss?
Software Developerss earn more nationally. The median is $130,000 for Actuariess versus $135,980 for Software Developerss, 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 Actuariess get paid the most?
Connecticut is the top-paying state for Actuariess 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, Actuariess earn $166,800 vs. $134,120 for Software Developerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.