How much does an actuary make?
a year · about $63 an hour
A typical actuary in the United States makes $130,000 a year, about $63 an hour, about 2.6× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They review claims data and run computer models to estimate future costs or set insurance prices. Then they discuss results with teammates and turn their calculations into charts or a short report.
Did you know? Social Security actuaries use the size of your birth-year group, life expectancy, immigration, and the economy to forecast the program’s future.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $78,570 and $215,100How do you become one?
In the U.S., earn a bachelor's in math or another analytical field and try to pass one or two exams in college; many start as trainees after graduation, often in their early 20s. Pension actuaries need extra experience and exams to enroll.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like keeping things organized and figuring things out
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can rise with experience and exam progress; some employers give raises or bonuses for passing exams. It also varies by industry and location, and specialty—such as life, health, pension, or casualty work—can matter. Most work full time; some work more than 40 hours a week.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Connecticut ($166,800), lowest in Michigan ($100,640).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $78,570 | $130,000 | $215,100 | about 27,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $166,800 | about 1,000 |
| New York | $156,480 | about 3,000 |
| New Jersey | $142,800 | about 1,000 |
| Florida | $132,110 | about 1,000 |
| Wisconsin | $131,640 | about 890 |
Official definition: Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/math/actuaries.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/earnings.htm
- www.soa.org/future-actuaries/day-in-the-life
- actuary.org/article/seven-ways-actuaries-shape-your-life
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY