Actuary: Career Overview
Official government data · Updated April 2026
Actuarys earn a national median of $125,770/yr with 21.8% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Mathematics, Computers and Electronics, Economics and Accounting.
Median Salary
$125,770
National · 2024
10-Year Growth
21.8%
Much faster than average
Employed Nationally
28,340
2024 data
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree
Entry-level
What Employers Expect From a Actuary
These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Actuary candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge domains most important for Actuary performance, based on verified occupational data.
Tools & Technologies
High-demand tools and technologies for Actuary roles.
Job Outlook: 2024–2034
Employment is projected to grow 21.8% for Actuary roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's much faster than average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.
- Current Employment
- 28,340
- Projected Growth
- 21.8%
- Typical Education
- Bachelor's degree
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a Actuary do?
- Actuarys apply expertise in Mathematics, Computers and Electronics, Economics and Accounting to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making.
- How much does a Actuary make?
- The national median salary for a Actuary is $125,770 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
- Is Actuary a good career in 2026?
- Employment for Actuary roles is projected to grow 21.8% over the 2024–2034 decade — much faster than average compared to all occupations. There are currently 28,340 workers in this occupation nationally.
- What education do you need to become a Actuary?
- The typical entry-level education for a Actuary is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
- What skills do Actuarys need?
- The most important skills for Actuary roles based on verified occupational data: Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, Active Listening, Complex Problem Solving, Systems Evaluation, Speaking, Systems Analysis, Writing. Key tools and technologies include: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Power BI, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA.
Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?
Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.
Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.