Actuaries analyze financial risks using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory. They typically work in the insurance industry, pensions, investment firms, or government agencies, assessing the likelihood of future events and their financial impact. Actuaries help organizations make informed decisions by developing models to manage risk and uncertainty.
This income data is sourced from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The dataset is updated annually.
Annual Pay Distribution | Salary |
---|---|
10th percentile | $97,230.00 |
25th percentile | $103,120.00 |
median (50th percentile) | $134,160.00 |
75th percentile | $172,250.00 |
90th percentile | $210,570.00 |
Hourly Pay Distribution | Hourly Rate |
---|---|
10th percentile | $46.75 |
25th percentile | $49.58 |
median (50th percentile) | $64.50 |
75th percentile | $82.81 |
90th percentile | $101.24 |
To become an Actuary, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field. Coursework in these programs often includes mathematics, statistics, economics, finance, and computer science. It is also common for aspiring actuaries to pass a series of exams administered by professional organizations like the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). While completion of high school is necessary for pursuing higher education in this field, a college degree is generally required for most entry-level actuarial positions. Training for Actuaries involves a combination of rigorous coursework, passing multiple certification exams, and gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions at insurance companies, consulting firms, government agencies, or other organizations that employ actuaries. Actuaries often continue their education while working to obtain additional certifications such as the Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) or the Associate of the Casualty Actuarial Society (ACAS), which can lead to more advanced career opportunities and higher salaries. Ongoing professional development through continuing education and staying abreast of industry trends is essential for maintaining certification and excelling in the field.