How to Become an Actuary
Analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $130,000 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$130,000/yr
Typical range
$78,570 to $215,100
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
2,400
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Statistical Modeling
- Risk Assessment
- Financial Mathematics
- Programming (R/Python)
- Communication
Helpful certifications
- SOA (Society of Actuaries) Exams
- CAS (Casualty Actuarial Society) Exams
- ASA
- FSA
- FCAS
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
80/100
Work-life balance
78/100
Stress level
32/100
Satisfaction
76/100
Related careers
- Financial Manager$166,570 median
- Personal Financial Advisor$105,070 median
- Financial Analyst$102,740 median
- Management Consultant$101,860 median
- Financial Examiner$94,160 median
- Budget Analyst$91,640 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Actuary make?
The median pay for an Actuary is $130,000 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The typical range runs from $78,570 to $215,100, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become an Actuary?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, and Finance.
Is Actuary a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 2,400 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does an Actuary use most?
Common skills for this role are Statistical Modeling, Risk Assessment, Financial Mathematics, Programming (R/Python), and Communication.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.