Actuaries are key financial professionals who analyze risk using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory. As of 2025, actuary salaries continue to reflect the high demand and specialized skills required in this field. Whether you’re considering becoming an actuary or you’re already on the career path, understanding the average salary, growth potential, and influencing factors is essential for making informed career decisions.
What Is the Average Actuary Salary in 2025?
As of mid-2025, the average annual salary for actuaries in the United States is approximately $113,000, according to aggregated data from industry sources and job boards. Salaries can vary significantly based on experience, certifications, industry, and location.
Factors That Influence Actuary Salaries
Several variables affect how much an actuary can earn:
Experience Level: One of the biggest influencers of salary.
Education: A bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, mathematics, or finance is often required.
Certifications: Passing exams from recognized societies such as the SOA (Society of Actuaries) or CAS (Casualty Actuarial Society) significantly boosts earning potential.
Industry: Insurance, consulting, finance, healthcare, and government all pay differently.
Location: Actuaries in major metropolitan areas generally earn more due to higher cost of living and demand.
Specializations: Roles in data analytics or predictive modeling can offer higher compensation.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Average Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $65,000 – $80,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–7 yrs) | $90,000 – $120,000 |
| Senior-Level (8–15 yrs) | $130,000 – $160,000 |
| Executive (15+ yrs) | $170,000+ |
Senior actuaries with leadership titles like Senior Lead Navigator or Director of Risk Management can earn well over $170,000 annually.
Related Roles and Salaries
If you’re comparing actuarial roles with others, here’s how they stack up in 2025:
Peloton Instructor Salary (avg): $85,000 – $120,000
SAP Consultant Salary (avg): $100,000 – $140,000
Pen Test (Penetration Tester) Salary (avg): $90,000 – $130,000
Auxano Senior Navigator Salary (avg): $95,000 – $135,000
Though these careers differ in scope, they all require technical skills and offer similar financial rewards.
What’s the Take-Home Pay for a $103K Salary?
Assuming a standard tax rate and deductions, the take-home pay for a $103,000 salary in 2025 is approximately $73,000 to $78,000 annually, depending on the state and individual benefits (health insurance, 401(k), etc.).
Education & Certifications That Impact Salary
To become an actuary, you typically need:
Bachelor’s Degree in Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or Finance.
Professional Exams from:
Society of Actuaries (SOA)
Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS)
Associate (ASA/ACAS) and Fellow (FSA/FCAS) designations significantly increase earning power.
Continuing Education through professional development and analytics tools (Python, R, SQL) is increasingly valued.
Job Outlook for Actuaries in 2025
The actuarial job market is strong and growing, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 20% growth rate from 2021–2031 — much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand is fueled by:
The increasing need for data-driven decision-making
Retirement planning and healthcare modeling
Emerging sectors like climate risk assessment and cybersecurity
Benefits of Being an Actuary
High earning potential
Strong job security
Flexible work environments (hybrid and remote roles are common)
Opportunities for leadership
Excellent work-life balance, especially compared to other high-stakes finance roles
Final Thoughts
Actuaries in 2025 enjoy a robust job market, competitive salaries, and diverse career paths. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your career, investing in education, certifications, and specialized skills can significantly enhance your income potential and job satisfaction.
By staying informed about salary trends, you’ll be better positioned to make strategic career moves in the high-reward field of actuarial science.