Actuary
Quick Facts
Median Salary$124,034
Most Common EducationBachelor's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth-0.18%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
An Actuary calculates the financial costs of risk and uncertainty. Uses findings from statistical analysis and mathematical modeling to help businesses and clients minimize the cost of risk and develop business and investment strategies. Uses actuarial analysis of the probability and cost of natural disasters or accidents to develop insurance policies.
Core Tasks:
- Ascertain premium rates required and cash reserves and liabilities necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.
- Collaborate with programmers, underwriters, accounts, claims experts, and senior management to help companies develop plans for new lines of business or improvements to existing business.
- Analyze statistical information to estimate mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates.
- 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.
- Construct probability tables for events such as fires, natural disasters, and unemployment, based on analysis of statistical data and other pertinent information.
- Provide advice to clients on a contract basis, working as a consultant.
- Determine equitable basis for distributing surplus earnings under participating insurance and annuity contracts in mutual companies.
- Negotiate terms and conditions of reinsurance with other companies.
- Provide expertise to help financial institutions manage risks and maximize returns associated with investment products or credit offerings.
- Testify before public agencies on proposed legislation affecting businesses.
- Determine policy contract provisions for each type of insurance.
What to expect as an Actuary
1Earn a Bachelor's degree
80% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Actuary related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
1776 openings for Actuaries
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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