Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using numbers, measurements, formulas, quantitative reasoning, and mathematical concepts.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Actuaries typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation and must pass a series of exams to become certified. They must have a strong background in mathematics, statistics, and business. PayThe median annual wage for actuaries was $130,000 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of actuaries is projected to grow 9 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,500 openings for actuaries are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for actuaries. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of actuaries with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about actuaries by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for actuaries was $130,000 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of actuaries is projected to grow 9 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,500 openings for actuaries are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for actuaries. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of actuaries with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about actuaries by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of actuaries is projected to grow 9 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,500 openings for actuaries are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for actuaries. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of actuaries with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about actuaries by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the economic costs of risk and uncertainty.
Work Environment
Most actuaries work for insurance companies. Although most work full time in an office setting, some actuaries who work as consultants travel to meet with clients.
How to Become an Actuary
Actuaries typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation and must pass a series of exams to become certified. They must have a strong background in mathematics, statistics, and business.
Pay
The median annual wage for actuaries was $130,000 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of actuaries is projected to grow 9 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 1,500 openings for actuaries are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for actuaries.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of actuaries with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about actuaries by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most actuaries work for insurance companies. Although most work full time in an office setting, some actuaries who work as consultants travel to meet with clients.
How to Become an Actuary
Actuaries typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation and must pass a series of exams to become certified. They must have a strong background in mathematics, statistics, and business.
Pay
The median annual wage for actuaries was $130,000 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of actuaries is projected to grow 9 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 1,500 openings for actuaries are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for actuaries.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of actuaries with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about actuaries by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for actuaries.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of actuaries with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about actuaries by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about actuaries by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.