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  1. Occupations
  2. Actuaries

Actuaries

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.

SOC: 15-2011.00

Common Job Titles

  • Actuarial Analyst
  • Actuary
  • Consulting Actuary
  • Pricing Actuary

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeAnalyze mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement statistical data using advanced mathematical and statistical methods to forecast risk and liability.
    Advanced
  • KnowledgeConstruct probability tables and predictive models to forecast payment of future benefits, applying actuarial principles.
    Advanced
  • KnowledgeDevelop actuarial models and financial forecasting systems using programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL in collaboration with data science teams.
    Advanced
  • KnowledgeSynthesize multidisciplinary data sources including economic, demographic, and financial information to create comprehensive risk assessments and strategic recommendations.
    Advanced
  • KnowledgeEvaluate insurance rates and cash reserves requirements to ensure financial viability of benefit payment obligations, considering regulatory compliance.
    Proficient
  • KnowledgeAssess complex actuarial scenarios and risk portfolios applying judgment and critical thinking to support strategic business decisions.
    Proficient
  • KnowledgeInterpret complex actuarial findings and risk assessments for non-technical stakeholders, executives, and regulatory bodies.
    Proficient
  • KnowledgeEvaluate actuarial assumptions and methodologies against regulatory standards ensuring compliance with insurance laws and accounting principles.
    Proficient
  • MindsetIntegrate client needs with actuarial recommendations when providing consultation and advice to insurance companies, pension funds, and government agencies.
    Proficient
  • KnowledgeDemonstrate mastery of specialized actuarial software platforms and data analysis tools including Excel, SAS, Power BI, and proprietary actuarial systems to process large datasets efficiently.
    Proficient

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Actuaries (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

28,340

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $75,240. 25th percentile: U.S. $90,970. 50th percentile: U.S. $125,770. 75th percentile: U.S. $164,860. 90th percentile: U.S. $206,430. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$75,240
10% of workers earn the following or more$206,430
Workers on average earn$134,990

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Mathematics4.9/5
  • Computers and Electronics4.0/5
  • Economics and Accounting3.8/5
  • English Language3.7/5
  • Law and Government3.0/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • C++
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Database
  • Oracle Java
  • Python
  • R
  • SAS
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Tableau

Technology Skills

  • ARMON Technologies XLActuary
  • Appraisal software
  • Cash flow software
  • Compliance testing software
  • GGY AXIS
  • IBM Lotus Notes
  • Insightful S-PLUS
  • Insureware ICRFS-ELRF
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • 10-key calculators
  • Desktop computers
  • Notebook computers
  • Personal computers

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Financial Risk Specialists 13-2054.00
  • Financial and Investment Analysts 13-2051.00
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  • Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists 13-1141.00
  • Accountants and Auditors 13-2011.00

Moderately Similar

  • Insurance Underwriters 13-2053.00
  • Statistical Assistants 43-9111.00
  • Insurance Sales Agents 41-3021.00
  • Financial Examiners 13-2061.00
  • Financial Managers 11-3031.00

Related

  • Investment Fund Managers 11-3031.03
  • Financial Quantitative Analysts 13-2099.01
  • Management Analysts 13-1111.00
  • Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents 41-3031.00
  • Economists 19-3011.00
  • Credit Analysts 13-2041.00
  • Compensation and Benefits Managers 11-3111.00
  • Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel 41-3091.00
  • Business Intelligence Analysts 15-2051.01
  • Statisticians 15-2041.00

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • Workforce CredentialApplied Data SkillsIssuer: Quanthub
  • Long CertificateApplied Data ScienceIssuer: Quanthub
  • Micro-CredentialPredicting a Categorical VariableIssuer: Quanthub
  • Micro-CredentialLinear RegressionIssuer: Quanthub
  • Micro-CredentialApplying ProbabilityIssuer: Quanthub
  • Master's DegreeMaster of Science in Applied Mathematical SciencesIssuer: Troy University
  • Doctoral DegreeMathematics, Applied (PhD)Issuer: University of Alabama in Huntsville
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateSocial & Behavioral Statistics Graduate CertificateIssuer: University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Doctoral DegreeDoctor of Philosophy in Applied MathematicsIssuer: University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Doctoral DegreeStatistics and Data Science — PhDIssuer: Auburn University