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.
Actuaries
SOC: 15-2011 O*NET: 15-2011.00
Median Salary
$125,770
per year
Job Growth
🚀 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?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$75,240
10th percentile
Early Career
$90,970
25th percentile
Median
$125,770
50th percentile
Experienced
$164,860
75th percentile
Top Earners
$206,430
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$75,240
25th
$90,970
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$125,770
Mean: $134,990
75th
$164,860
90th
$206,430
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $131,190 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $90,970 and $164,860
- •Salary spread is 58.8% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 28,340 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Very High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:33,600
Top Industries
Finance and Insurance73.7%
Insurance Carriers and Related Activities72.5%
Insurance Carriers52.6%
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
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Actuaries professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 40 locations
New York
3,090 jobs$133,7301.76x
Illinois
2,120 jobs$121,9601.90x
Pennsylvania
1,980 jobs$107,5301.80x
Texas
1,800 jobs$100,2600.71x
Florida
1,740 jobs$123,2200.96x
Massachusetts
1,530 jobs$122,2302.29x
Ohio
1,340 jobs$115,5501.32x
California
1,320 jobs$124,2400.40x
New Jersey
1,280 jobs$137,3301.64x
Connecticut
1,190 jobs$148,2203.86x
Indiana
1,060 jobs$97,6401.81x
Wisconsin
930 jobs$122,1401.74x
Minnesota
830 jobs$109,1901.55x
Virginia
690 jobs$135,8800.93x
Iowa
650 jobs$129,8702.26x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Much faster than average growth expected
- •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
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Mathematics
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Systems Evaluation
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Speaking
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Systems Analysis
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Writing
basicImportance40%
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:
- →Systems Evaluation
- →Active Listening
- →Speaking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Judgment and Decision Making
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Mathematics
- ★Judgment and Decision Making
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Complex Problem Solving
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •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
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
IBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Power BI
🔥 Hot TechTableau
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server
🔥 Hot TechOracle Database
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Basic
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
🔥 Hot TechC++
🔥 Hot TechOracle Java
🔥 Hot TechTechnology 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
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
15
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (10)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Planning & Development (2)Management & Supervision (2)
1
Ascertain premium rates required and cash reserves and liabilities necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Analyze statistical information to estimate mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation97% perform98%
3
Design, review, and help administer insurance, annuity and pension plans, determining financial soundness and calculating premiums.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Collaborate with programmers, underwriters, accounts, claims experts, and senior management to help companies develop plans for new lines of business or improvements to existing business.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Determine, or help determine, company policy, and explain complex technical matters to company executives, government officials, shareholders, policyholders, or the public.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Testify before public agencies on proposed legislation affecting businesses.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Provide advice to clients on a contract basis, working as a consultant.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Testify in court as expert witness or to provide legal evidence on matters such as the value of potential lifetime earnings of a person disabled or killed in an accident.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Construct probability tables for events such as fires, natural disasters, and unemployment, based on analysis of statistical data and other pertinent information.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Determine policy contract provisions for each type of insurance.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •47% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Actuaries
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Actuaries professionals typically have a CIE Holland code and highly value working conditions
CConventional
IInvestigative
EEnterprising
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Actuaries
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.89
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.71
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.64
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.36
Achievement/Effort
Very ImportantAchievement/Effort
Importance Level4.18
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.14
Complete Work Styles Profile
Analytical Thinking
4.9
Attention to Detail
4.7
Integrity
4.6
Dependability
4.4
Achievement/Effort
4.2
Initiative
4.1
Persistence
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.9
Cooperation
3.7
Independence
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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