Salary Survey

Insights from the 2025 Salary Survey

The 2025 Salary Survey, coordinated by the Women's Actuarial Network of the Swiss Actuarial Association (SAA) with support from the University of Lausanne, presents again a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of actuarial compensation in Switzerland. Conducted online in spring 2025 and based on 2024 salary and bonus data, the survey provides valuable benchmarks and highlights key trends shaping the profession.

Who Participated?

Out of 1,751 SAA members, 546 took part in the survey, with 446 completed responses included in the detailed analysis. The survey sample reflects a growing and increasingly diverse membership, with a notable rise in participation among younger actuaries. The gender split remains stable at 70% male and 30% female, and most participants fall within the 30-49 age range.

How Are Actuaries Compensated?

The survey focuses on Full-Time Equivalent Total Compensation (FTETC), defined as salary plus bonus adjusted for employment rate. In 2024, the average FTETC for SAA members was CHF 196,000, with a median of CHF 179,000-both up from 2021 (average CHF 189,100, median CHF 166,200). Younger actuaries (aged 44 and below) saw the most significant increases, while compensation for older professionals remained stable.

What Drives Income?

To ensure privacy and robust analysis, respondents were grouped by income: Group 1 (CHF 230,000 or less) and Group 2 (above CHF 230,000). For Group 1, the most influential factors affecting income were:

• Hierarchical position
• Age (experience)
• Location (canton)
• Company segment (e.g., reinsurance, primary insurance, etc)

The baseline FTETC for a typical Group 1 actuary (male, aged 35-39, working in Zurich in primary insurance) was CHF 150,920.

Figure: Group 1 only. Deltas of the relevant explanatory variables to the base line FTETC. Baseline is: Male 35-39, Private primary-nonlife sector employee, working in Zurich.

Trends and Observations

• Membership Growth: The SAA continues to grow, with steady increases in both membership and gender diversity.
• Income Progression: Income trends remain positive, especially for younger actuaries.
• Bonus Structures: Bonus payments have remained rather stable
• Technology and Flex Work Preferences:
  • Over 63% of actuaries view artificial intelligence positively, expecting it to enhance efficiency and decision-making.
  • Flexible work arrangements, especially working from home, are highly valued, with more than 76% rating them as critical for productivity and work-life balance.

Conclusion & Looking Ahead

The Swiss Actuarial Association (SAA) has seen steady growth in membership, with encouraging signs of increased gender diversity and higher professional qualifications. Income trends for actuaries remain positive: in 2024, the average FTETC reached CHF 196,000 and the median CHF 179,000, both up from 2021.

• The survey highlights the importance of ongoing participation and feedback to maintain transparency and insight within the actuarial community.
• The SAA, together with academic partners, remains committed to regularly updating and refining the survey to reflect changes in the profession.
• The findings aim to support all SAA members in benchmarking their compensation and understanding key trends affecting their careers.

[1] Please note that for the Salary Survey 2022, the same definition was applied. For the purpose of this document, income and FTETC are used synonymously.