Actuarial salary and the national average
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish a specific average weekly earnings figure for actuaries. The most relevant occupational category is Professionals, which includes actuaries along with many other roles. According to the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey for May 2025, non-managerial Professionals had average hourly total cash earnings of $64.50. That is well above the all-occupations average of $47.90 per hour.
To understand where an actuarial salary sits relative to the national line, we start with the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026. The full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year (multiplied by 52). This is the figure used on this site as the line. The full-time median is lower, at about $90,532, and the all-employees median is about $74,100. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week.
Where actuaries typically sit
Actuaries are highly skilled professionals who work in insurance, superannuation, finance, and consulting. Their earnings are generally above the national full-time average. Industry surveys (not from the ABS) often report median total remuneration for qualified actuaries in the range of $120,000 to $180,000, depending on experience and fellowship status. However, because this site relies on official ABS data, we cannot confirm a precise figure. The ABS does not break out actuaries separately in its earnings publications.
Factors that move pay above or below the average
Several factors can push an actuary's salary above or below the national line:
- Industry: Actuaries in life insurance, general insurance, and consulting tend to earn more than those in government or superannuation administration. The ABS industry data shows that the Mining sector has the highest average hourly earnings ($74.10), but actuaries are rarely in mining. Finance and insurance services are part of the broader 'Financial and Insurance Services' industry, which typically pays above the all-industries average.
- Location: State full-time averages vary significantly. The highest is the Australian Capital Territory at about $119,090, followed by Western Australia at $115,825 and New South Wales at $109,658. The lowest is Tasmania at $96,008. An actuary working in Sydney or Canberra is likely to earn more than one in Hobart, all else being equal.
- Experience and qualifications: Entry-level actuaries may start below the national average, while Fellows with several years of experience can earn well above it. The ABS data for Professionals shows a wide distribution: the 25th percentile for full-time Professionals is around $1,424 per week, and the 75th percentile is $2,560 per week. Actuaries at the top end of that range are clearly above the national average.
- Method of setting pay: According to the ABS, 38.5% of all employees have their pay set by individual arrangement, and 34.6% by collective agreement. Actuaries are more likely to be on individual contracts, which can allow for higher pay based on negotiation and performance.
How to use this site
If you are an actuary or employer, you can place a salary on the line to see how it compares to the national full-time average of $108,352. The tool also shows the weekly and hourly equivalent on a 38-hour week, and the distance from the average. You can also explore states and territories to see how location affects the line, or check job medians for the Professionals category.
Tax considerations
For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates are: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above $190,000. The Medicare levy of 2% applies before any reductions. An actuary earning above the national average would fall into the 30% or 37% bracket, depending on exact income.
Conclusion
While the ABS does not provide a specific actuarial salary figure, the available data suggests that actuaries typically earn above the national full-time average of $108,352. The exact amount depends on industry, location, experience, and qualifications. For a personalised comparison, use the line tool on this site.