Explore This Path

Actuary

💰 Earn $99K-$170K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 24–48 Month Training

📈 21.8% Job Growth

Love numbers? Predict future risks and ensure financial security as an actuary.
Actuaries play a crucial role in designing secure insurance and pension plans.
Use math to solve real-world problems and influence company policies.

What Actuaries DoAnalyze 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.

Ascertain premium rates required and cash reserves and liabilities necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.
Design, review, and help administer insurance, annuity and pension plans, determining financial soundness and calculating premiums.
Determine, or help determine, company policy, and explain complex technical matters to company executives, government officials, shareholders, policyholders, or the public.
Provide advice to clients on a contract basis, working as a consultant.
Analyze statistical information to estimate mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates.

Actuaries Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationBachelor Degree

Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time2 to 4 years

Job Openings2,400 Annually

Median Earnings

$124,240 in California

$125,770 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@inspiring_actuaries

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Influencing or leading others
Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks

you value

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Job security

you are skilled in

Operations Analysis
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing

Go Deeper: Actuaries Explained

ActuaryExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Professional UpskillingProfessional upskilling typically results in acquiring new or enhanced skills and knowledge relevant to a participant's current job or desired career path, leading to improved job performance, opportunities for career advancement, and greater employability.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 1 week - 3 months

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