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Actuary salary Sydney: how it compares to the national line
Find out where an actuary salary Sydney sits against the national index. Based on public data from Jobs and Skills Australia and the ABS.
The median weekly earnings for actuaries are not published, but the industry and state benchmarks suggest an actuary salary Sydney is well above the national average, likely around index 115–120.
What does an actuary salary Sydney look like?
If you’re searching for an actuary salary Sydney, you’re probably after a number that tells you where this profession sits against the national line. The short answer is that public data doesn’t give a precise figure, but we can piece together a reliable picture using the salary index, industry benchmarks, and state comparisons.
The salary index explained
The salary index at Salary Index uses a simple idea: divide a yearly gross salary by the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings ($108,352 as of May 2026) and multiply by 100. So a salary of $130,000 gives an index of 120 – meaning it’s 20% above the national line. The index helps you compare pay across states, industries, and occupations without getting lost in raw dollars.
For an actuary salary Sydney, we need to look at where actuaries work and what those industries pay.
Where actuaries work
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, there are about 2,400 actuaries in the country. A massive 72% are in New South Wales – that’s Sydney territory. Another 17.6% are in Victoria. The main industries are Financial and Insurance Services, and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services. These are high-paying sectors.
The Professional, Scientific and Technical industry has an index of 114.7 – that’s annualised pay of about $124,300. Financial and Insurance Services is likely similar or higher. So even before we account for the Sydney premium, an actuary is already working in an industry that pays 15% above the national average.
The Sydney (NSW) effect
The state index for NSW is 101.2, which is slightly above the national line. But that’s an average across all jobs. Actuaries are concentrated in Sydney’s financial district, where pay tends to be higher than the state average. Combining the industry index (114.7) with the state premium, a reasonable estimate for an actuary salary Sydney would be an index between 115 and 125. That translates to annual gross pay of $124,600 to $135,440.
Why no exact figure?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics doesn’t publish median weekly earnings for actuaries because the occupation is small and the statistical error is too high. That’s common for specialist roles. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides cover awards like the Banking, Finance and Insurance Award, but actuaries are usually above award – they’re professionals with tertiary qualifications and often fellowship of the Actuaries Institute.
Comparing to other states and industries
If you’re considering moving, the states page shows that ACT has the highest index (109.9) and Tasmania the lowest (88.6). But for actuaries, the concentration in NSW and Victoria means those states dominate. The industries page shows Mining at 154.7, but actuaries rarely work there. The Professional, Scientific and Technical index (114.7) is a better guide.
What about take-home pay?
Using the 2026–27 tax rates, a gross salary of $130,000 (index 120) would have tax of about $30,667 plus Medicare levy of $2,600, leaving around $96,733. That’s before any HELP repayments or salary sacrifice. Super guarantee is 12%, so your employer would contribute $15,600 to super on top of that salary.
The bottom line
An actuary salary Sydney is not published in official statistics, but the evidence points to a figure well above the national line – likely between index 115 and 125. If you’re an employer or employee looking for precise numbers, industry salary surveys from the Actuaries Institute or recruitment agencies are your best bet. For a general benchmark, the salary index gives you a clear, comparable number.
For more on how the index works, see how the index works. And if you want to explore other occupations, check the topics page.
Questions people ask
What is the average actuary salary Sydney in 2026?
Public data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics does not provide a median weekly earnings figure for actuaries because the sample size is too small. However, using the industry and state benchmarks, an actuary salary Sydney is expected to be well above the national average. The Professional, Scientific and Technical services industry index is 114.7 (annualised $124,300), and NSW has a state index of 101.2. Given that actuaries are concentrated in financial services and often hold professional qualifications, their pay typically exceeds these averages. For precise figures, consult industry salary surveys or employer data.
How does an actuary salary Sydney compare to the national index?
The national index is set at 100, based on full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year. An actuary salary Sydney is likely to sit between index 115 and 125, meaning annual gross pay of roughly $124,600 to $135,440. This estimate comes from the Professional, Scientific and Technical industry index (114.7) and the fact that actuaries are a specialised, high-demand profession. The NSW state index (101.2) is a baseline, but actuaries tend to earn more than the state average because of their industry and skill level.
What factors affect an actuary salary Sydney?
Key factors include years of experience, professional qualifications (e.g., Fellow of the Actuaries Institute), type of employer (insurance, superannuation, consulting, government), and location within Sydney. The Banking, Finance and Insurance Award sets minimum rates, but most actuaries are above award. The super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, and income tax rates for 2026–27 apply (30% on income between $45,001 and $135,000, plus 2% Medicare levy). The salary index adjusts for state and industry differences, so an actuary in Sydney benefits from both the NSW premium and the high industry index.