Occupation AtlasActuaries
O*NET · 15-2011.00
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.
Also called Actuarial Analyst · Actuarial Associate · Actuarial Consultant · Actuarial Mathematician · Actuarial Specialist · Actuary · Annuity Analyst · Consulting Actuary
8 more
Enrolled Actuary · Health Actuary · Insurance Actuary · Life Actuary · Pricing Actuary · Product Development Actuary · Reserving Actuary · Retirement Actuarial Analyst
Compare with another occupationCompare with Financial Quantitative Analysts
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CIEConventional · Investigative · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional6.29
- I Investigative4.45
- E Enterprising3.33
- S Social2.49
- R Realistic1.78
- A Artistic1.13
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (44%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (50%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (21%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- MathematicsbasicImportance 4.4Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- WritingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.8Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Operations AnalysisImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
Show the other 23
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- NegotiationImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Service OrientationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- PersuasionImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- InstructingImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- ProgrammingImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- SciencebasicImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.9Level 0.9
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
12 core · 3 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Analyze data to determine premium rates required and cash reserves and liabilities necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.Importance 4.8
- Analyze statistical information to estimate mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates.Importance 4.4
- Design, review, and help administer insurance, annuity and pension plans, determining financial soundness and calculating premiums.Importance 4.3
- 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.Importance 4.2
- Determine, or help determine, company policy, and explain complex technical matters to company executives, government officials, shareholders, policyholders, or the public.Importance 4.0
- Provide advice to clients on a contract basis, working as a consultant.Importance 4.0
- Construct probability tables for events such as fires, natural disasters, and unemployment, based on analysis of statistical data and other pertinent information.Importance 3.7
- Determine policy contract provisions for each type of insurance.Importance 3.6
- Determine equitable basis for distributing surplus earnings under participating insurance and annuity contracts in mutual companies.Importance 3.6
- Provide expertise to help financial institutions manage risks and maximize returns associated with investment products or credit offerings.Importance 3.5
- Negotiate terms and conditions of reinsurance with other companies.Importance 3.4
- Testify before public agencies on proposed legislation affecting businesses.Importance 3.1
Show the other 3
- Explain changes in contract provisions to customers.Importance 3.3
- Manage credit and help price corporate security offerings.Importance 2.7
- Testify in court as expert witness or to provide legal evidence on matters such as the value of potential lifetime earnings of a person disabled or killed in an accident.Importance 2.4
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- MathematicsImportance 4.9Level 6.6Level 7 looks like: Derive a complex mathematical equation
- Economics and AccountingImportance 4.1Level 5.6
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.4Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- English LanguageImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- AdministrativeImportance 2.7Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
Show all 33
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.8
- Education and TrainingImportance 1.8Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
- Communications and MediaImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- PsychologyImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- DesignImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- GeographyImportance 1.5Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.4Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.3Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.3Level —
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.3Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.2Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.2Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.2Level —
- TransportationImportance 1.2Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.1Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 4.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Number FacilityImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 5 looks like: Compute the interest payment that should be generated from an investment
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
Show all 52
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Information OrderingImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- OriginalityImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Far VisionImportance 2.6Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- MemorizationImportance 2.6Level 2.6
- Time SharingImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.3Level —
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.8Level 6.6Level 7 looks like: Analyze the cost of medical care services for all hospitals in the country
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.7Level 6.3Level 7 looks like: Make the final decision about a company's 5-year plan
- Processing InformationImportance 4.7Level 6.3Level 7 looks like: Compile data for a complex scientific report
- Getting InformationImportance 4.5Level 5.7
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.3Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Create and deliver a presentation on a company's internal policies
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.3Level 5.8
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.2Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
Show all 41
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.8Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.6Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.6Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.3Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.2Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.2Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.2Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.2Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.0Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.8Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.9
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.2Level 2.8
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.0Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 1.3Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.1Level —
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.1Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.0Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
42 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (10)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Power BIhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBAhot
- Pythonhot
- Rhot
- SAShot
- Structured query language SQLhot
- Tableauhot
Hot (10; 10 more marked hot above)
- C++
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Database
- Oracle Java
Other tools (22)
- Appraisal software
- ARMON Technologies XLActuary
- Cash flow software
- Compliance testing software
- dBASE Plus
- GGY AXIS
- IBM Lotus Notes
- Insightful S-PLUS
- Insureware ICRFS-ELRF
- Lewis & Ellis LEAPPS
- Microsoft Visual FoxPro
- Milliman Corporate Affinity
- Milliman ReservePro
- Oak Mountain Software AnnuityValue
- PolySystems Asset Delphi
- Pricing software
- Qlik Tech QlikView
- SAP BusinessObjects Desktop Intelligence
- SS&C PTS
- Statistical software
- Towers Perrin MoSes
- Wolfram Research Mathematica
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Financial Quantitative Analysts
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.1, Programming +0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Transportation Planners
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −1.0, Coordination +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −1.3, Systems Analysis −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Operations Research Analysts
Average difference 0.2 points · Science +1.4, Negotiation −0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Urban and Regional Planners
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −1.4, Science +0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Industrial Ecologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Science +1.7, Mathematics −1.0
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Logistics Analysts
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −1.4, Operations Analysis −1.0
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Investment Fund Managers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.1, Mathematics −1.0
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.