Actuary

Alternative titles for this job include Actuarial analyst

Actuaries work with companies and government departments, to help them forecast long-term financial costs and investment risks.

Average salary (a year)

£32,000 Starter

to

£70,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an actuary

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

University

You could start by doing a degree before joining a graduate actuarial training scheme.

Most employers will look for a degree with a high level of mathematics. For example:

  • maths and statistics
  • actuarial science
  • economics
  • engineering
  • accounting
  • physics or chemistry

A course with a placement year or a summer internship will give you valuable experience and an advantage when you apply for work.

You could take a postgraduate degree in actuarial science that might allow you to qualify as an actuary in a shorter time.

Some actuarial companies may offer sponsorship for postgraduate courses.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do an Actuarial Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship or an Actuary Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

These take between 2 and 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Volunteering

You may improve your chances of finding a trainee position if you have some work experience in an actuarial department. You can find details about internships and work placements through the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.

Direct Application

You may be able to switch to actuarial work from a related profession, like risk management, accounting, financial services or business analysis. You would then follow an employer training programme to become a qualified actuary.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries to begin training and to take professional exams as you progress.

Further information

You'll find more about careers in the actuarial profession from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of economics and accounting
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an actuary, you could:

  • analyse data from past and present events to forecast future trends
  • assess financial risks, using mathematical models and statistics
  • work out solutions to business problems and help with planning
  • write reports and presentations
  • explain findings to managers, government ministers or business clients

Working environment

You could work in an office, at a client's business or remotely.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

As your career develops, you could specialise in a particular field, like:

  • insurance
  • healthcare
  • banking
  • data science

With experience, you could take on more responsibility for managing people or projects.

You might also work for the Government Actuary's Department, advising on public sector finances.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Actuarial Pricing Apprentice

  • Wage: £38,000.00 Annually
  • Location: 60 GRACECHURCH STREET, LONDON

Actuarial Underwriting Apprentice

  • Wage: £38,000.00 Annually
  • Location: 60 GRACECHURCH STREET, LONDON

Courses In England

Access to HE (Business)

  • Provider: CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 September 2024
  • Location: Cambridge

Access to HE - Business

  • Provider: WARWICKSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 September 2024
  • Location: Leamington Spa

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.