Actuaries

SOC: 15-2011 O*NET: 15-2011.00
Median Salary
$125,770
per year
Job Growth
πŸš€ 21.8%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4

Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

What does a Actuaries do?

Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

How much can you earn?

Salary Distribution by Percentile

Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.

10th
$75,462
25th
$100,616
50th (Median)
$125,770
75th
$150,924
90th
$188,655

Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.

Typical Benefits Package

Health & Wellness

  • βœ“Health Insurance
  • βœ“Dental Insurance
  • βœ“Vision Insurance
  • βœ“Mental Health Support
  • βœ“Wellness Programs

Financial Benefits

  • βœ“401(k) Retirement Plan
  • βœ“Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
  • βœ“Profit Sharing
  • βœ“Stock Options
  • βœ“Performance Bonuses

Work-Life Balance

  • βœ“Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
  • βœ“Paid Sick Leave
  • βœ“Flexible Work Arrangements
  • βœ“Remote Work Options
  • βœ“Parental Leave

Professional Development

  • βœ“Tuition Reimbursement
  • βœ“Professional Certifications
  • βœ“Conference Attendance
  • βœ“Training Programs
  • βœ“Mentorship Opportunities

Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.

What's the job outlook?

Job Market Intelligence

Very High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk

Current Employment

National Employment:33,600

10-Year Outlook

Growth Rate:+21.8%
Annual Openings:2,400

Employment Projections

2024 (Current)33,600
Current
2034 (Projected)40,900
+21.8%
+7,300
Employment Change
+21.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection

Growth Category: Much faster than average

Key Growth Factors

  • β€’Much faster than average growth expected
  • β€’High current market demand

What skills do you need?

Top 10 Most Important Skills

#1
Judgment and Decision Making
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Reading Comprehension
86%
#4
Mathematics
80%
#5
Complex Problem Solving
74%
#6
Systems Evaluation
66%
#7
Active Listening
60%
#8
Speaking
54%
#9
Systems Analysis
46%
#10
Writing
40%

Skills Overview

Judgment and Decision Making
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.3
86%
Mathematics
intermediate4.0
80%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.7
74%
Systems Evaluation
intermediate3.3
66%
Active Listening
intermediate3.0
60%
Speaking
basic2.7
54%

Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.

Filter:
Sort by:

Judgment and Decision Making

advanced
Importance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0

Critical Thinking

advanced
Importance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0

Reading Comprehension

basic
Importance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0

Mathematics

intermediate
Importance80%
skills
4.0/5.0

Complex Problem Solving

advanced
Importance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0

Systems Evaluation

intermediate
Importance66%
skills
3.3/5.0

Active Listening

intermediate
Importance60%
skills
3.0/5.0

Speaking

basic
Importance54%
skills
2.7/5.0

Systems Analysis

basic
Importance46%
skills
2.3/5.0

Writing

basic
Importance40%
skills
2.0/5.0

Highly Transferable Skills

These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:

Agricultural Engineers100%
5 shared skills
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers82%
5 shared skills
Web Administrators82%
5 shared skills
Water/Wastewater Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Water Resource Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Health Informatics Specialists82%
5 shared skills

Skills by Career Stage

Entry Level

Learn on the Job:
  • β†’Systems Evaluation
  • β†’Active Listening
  • β†’Speaking

Mid Career

Expected:
  • βœ“Mathematics
  • βœ“Judgment and Decision Making
  • βœ“Critical Thinking
  • βœ“Reading Comprehension

Senior Level

Mastery Required:
  • β˜…Mathematics
  • β˜…Judgment and Decision Making
  • β˜…Critical Thinking
  • β˜…Reading Comprehension
  • β˜…Complex Problem Solving

Skill Development Tips

  • β€’Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
  • β€’Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
  • β€’Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
  • β€’Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time

What technology will you use?

Technology & Digital Skills

Essential technology proficiencies for Actuaries

Technology Intensity
Very High
πŸ”₯

Hot Technologies in Demand

These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field

IBM SPSS Statistics

πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

SAS

πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

Microsoft Power BI

πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

Tableau

πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

Microsoft Access

πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

Microsoft SQL Server

πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

Oracle Database

πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

Structured query language SQL

πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

Microsoft Visual Basic

πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA

πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

C++

πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

Oracle Java

πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

Technology Stack

Technology Stack Overview

Key technologies used in this career

IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
Microsoft Power BI
Tableau
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
Oracle Database
Structured query language SQL
Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
C++
Oracle Java

πŸ“š Technology Learning Resources

Recommended Certifications

  • β€’Vendor-specific software certifications
  • β€’Industry-recognized technology credentials
  • β€’Professional development courses

Online Learning Platforms

  • β€’LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
  • β€’Coursera - University-level programs
  • β€’Udemy - Practical skills training

πŸ’‘ Technology Skill Development Tips

  • β€’Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
  • β€’Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
  • β€’Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
  • β€’Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers

What's the work environment like?

🏒
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
πŸ’ͺ
Physical Demand
VERY HIGH
πŸ‘₯
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🀝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL

πŸ’‘Is This Work Environment Right for You?

Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:

  • β€’Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
  • β€’Can you meet very high physical demands?
  • β€’Do you enjoy some team team environments?
  • β€’Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?

What education is required?

Education Required

Bachelor's degree or higher

Experience Required

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed

Job Training

Significant preparation with related work experience