Actuaries
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.
At a Glance
Actuaries earns a median of $125,770/yr with +21.8% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Mathematics, Analyzing Data or Information, Working with Computers.
$125,770/yr
+21.8%
2
Bachelor's degree
Skills & Requirements
Skills (11)
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Knowledge (4)
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Abilities (16)
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Technology (20)
Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology
Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology
Work Activities (20)
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Work Styles (2)
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Careers with Overlapping Skills
These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.
Computer Systems Analysts
Computer and Mathematical · 205 shared skills
Computer Programmers
Computer and Mathematical · 204 shared skills
Software Developers
Computer and Mathematical · 203 shared skills
Business Intelligence Analysts
Computer and Mathematical · 203 shared skills
Database Administrators
Computer and Mathematical · 203 shared skills
Database Architects
Computer and Mathematical · 203 shared skills
Operations Research Analysts
Computer and Mathematical · 203 shared skills
Management Analysts
Business and Financial Operations · 203 shared skills
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