Career Hubs

Actuary

Actuaries use statistics, business, and finance to analyze data and determine the risk that events, such as property loss, sickness, injury, or death, will occur. This helps businesses, especially insurance companies, to make policies and plans to reduce risks and cost. Actuaries also help businesses to determine what investments to make in order to make the most profit.

Salary

On average, actuaries earned between $62,020 and $119,110 in 2008.

Education

If you would like to have the option to be an actuary, make sure you study hard and get good grades in the following types of courses:

    High School:

  • Upper-level Math
  • Statistics
  • Economics
  • Business
  • Computer Classes

    After High School:

  • Most actuaries get a bachelor's degree in math, statistics, or actuarial science
  • Some get undergraduate degrees in business, finance, or economics
  • Actuaries must take exams after college in order to be accredited.

Work Environment

Actuaries spend a lot of time working with data and people. They typically work at a desk in a comfortable office for about forty hours a week. Consulting actuaries, who work directly with clients, may travel to meet with their clients.

Daily Tasks

  • Use statistics software to analyze data
  • Attend meetings
  • Collaborate with team members about a project
  • Have one-on-one meetings with clients

Reward/Impact

  • Stimulating and challenging career
  • Provide solutions that help a large number of people
  • Can affect legislation and businesses in addition to individuals

Interviews/Biographies

Student Testimonials

Related Careers

  • Accountant
  • Economist
  • Market and Survey Analyst
  • Mathematician
  • Statistician

Links To More Resources

Video Resources