If you're looking to land an actuary job, you’re probably wondering:
"How do I actually find an actuary job that fits my skills and career goals?"
With around 30,200 actuary jobs in the U.S. and a projected growth rate of 22% from 2023 to 2033, there’s no shortage of opportunity. But breaking into the field—especially at the entry level—can feel like a challenge.
This guide will show you exactly how to find actuary jobs, where to look, how to work with actuarial recruiters, and how to boost your chances of getting hired.
Where to Look for Actuary Jobs
If you want to land an actuarial role, the first step is knowing where to look. Not all job boards are created equal, and knowing the right places to search can save you hours of frustration.
Here are the top places to find actuarial jobs:
- Actuarial-Specific Job Boards
- Acturhire – The go-to job board for all things actuarial. Unlike generic job boards, Acturhire is 100% focused on actuaries, so you won’t be scrolling through irrelevant roles.
- General Job Boards
- LinkedIn – Connect with recruiters and apply directly to jobs. Pro tip: Message hiring managers directly.
- Indeed – Offers a large number of job postings for actuarial roles, from entry-level to senior positions.
- Glassdoor – Get company reviews, salary insights, and open job listings all in one place.
- Company Career Pages
- Companies like Aon, Willis Towers Watson, and Deloitte regularly post jobs on their own career pages.
- Major insurance companies like Prudential, Allstate, and Liberty Mutual are constantly hiring actuaries.
- Professional Networks and Organizations
- Society of Actuaries (SOA) Career Center – Job listings, networking opportunities, and industry insights are all here.
- Conferences & Events – Many actuarial conferences have job fairs and networking events where you can meet hiring managers in person.
How to Work with Actuarial Recruiters
If you want to speed up your job search, working with an actuarial recruiter is one of the best moves you can make. These recruiters have access to "hidden" jobs that aren’t listed on public job boards.
Here’s how to make the most of working with actuarial recruiters:
What Do Actuarial Recruiters Do?
- They connect you with employers who are actively hiring actuaries.
- They help with interview prep and offer insight on what companies are looking for.
- They negotiate salary and benefits on your behalf, ensuring you get a great offer.
Top Actuarial Recruiters to Know
- DW Simpson – One of the most well-known actuarial recruiters in the industry.
- SC International – They specialize in insurance, healthcare, and pension-related actuarial roles.
- Actuarial Careers, Inc. – Focused exclusively on the actuarial profession, offering jobs in insurance, healthcare, and consulting.
How to Get Noticed by Actuarial Recruiters
- Update Your LinkedIn Profile
- Use a title like "Aspiring Actuary | 2 Exams Passed" or "Actuarial Analyst | Excel, VBA, R Skills."
- List all your exams passed, technical skills (Python, Excel, VBA), and relevant coursework.
- Make it clear that you’re "Open to Work" so recruiters know you’re looking.
- Reach Out to Recruiters Directly
- Send a message on LinkedIn to actuarial recruiters from firms like DW Simpson and SC International.
- Keep it simple. Example:
- “Hi [Recruiter Name], I’m currently pursuing a career in actuarial science with 2 exams passed and an internship at [Company Name]. I’m looking for entry-level roles in insurance or consulting. I’d love to connect!”
- Be Ready for a Conversation
- If a recruiter reaches out, be ready to chat. They’ll ask about your exam progress, preferred roles, and salary expectations.
- Be honest, but also know your value. Recruiters work to get you the best offer possible. They reumerated as a proportion of first year's salary, so it's in their interest to get you the best deal they can
- Follow Up
- If a recruiter sets up an interview with a company, follow up with them afterward. They can give you feedback from the employer, which you can use to improve for future opportunities.
Keep in mind - recruiters may prefer to work with more experienced actuaries since their commission will be higher. It's also worth keeping in mind that recruiters only have access to certain roles. That's why websites such as Acturhire are useful as they give you a wide lens into the jobs available in the market.
How to Stand Out When Applying for Actuary Jobs
Getting noticed in a sea of other candidates takes strategy. Here’s how to stand out when applying for actuary jobs:
- Pass 2-3 Exams Early
- Passing Exam P (Probability) and Exam FM (Financial Mathematics) puts you ahead of most entry-level candidates.
- If you have 3+ exams passed, you’ll be considered for higher-paying roles.
- Get an Internship
- Employers love seeing real-world experience on your resume. Aim for internships at Aon, Willis Towers Watson, or Prudential.
- Can’t find one? Consider short-term projects or freelance actuarial work to build experience.
- Master Technical Tools
- Excel, VBA, R, Python, and SQL are essential for actuarial roles.
- Add these to your resume and showcase your skills on LinkedIn.
- Perfect Your Resume
- Focus on measurable results (e.g., “Analyzed 50,000 claims to reduce costs by 15%”).
- Use action words like "developed, analyzed, improved" to describe your achievements.
- Network Smartly
- Use LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals, actuaries, and hiring managers.
- Join actuarial forums and communities, such as the Actuarial Outpost.
How Long Does It Take to Land an Actuary Job?
If you have 2 exams passed and internship experience, you can land a job in about 3-6 months. Without these, the timeline can stretch to 6-12 months.
Here's how you can speed it up:
- Work with a recruiter like DW Simpson or SC International.
- Pass your first two exams (P & FM) ASAP.
- Add technical skills like Excel, VBA, Python, and R to your resume.
FAQs About Finding Actuary Jobs
1. How do I find entry-level actuary jobs?
- Look for roles like "Actuarial Analyst" on job boards like Acturhire.
- Pass 2-3 actuarial exams (P & FM).
- Work with actuarial recruiters at DW Simpson and SC International.
2. Should I work with an actuarial recruiter?
Yes! Recruiters can connect you with "hidden" jobs and negotiate better salaries for you. DW Simpson and SC International are two of the best.
3. What skills are most in demand for actuary jobs?
- Exam progress (P & FM passed)
- Technical skills (Excel, VBA, R, Python)
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving
4. Is there demand for actuaries?
Yes! The actuarial field is growing 22% from 2023 to 2033, adding about 2,200 new jobs each year.
5. How much do actuaries earn?
- Entry-level: $65,000 - $75,000/year
- Mid-level: $95,000 - $120,000/year
- Senior roles: $150,000 - $250,000/year
Final Thoughts: How to Find Actuary Jobs
Finding an actuarial job can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you’ll land a role faster than you think. Start with Acturhire, pass your first 2 exams, and connect with actuarial recruiters like DW Simpson. These steps alone will put you ahead of most candidates.
Remember, recruiters want to place you in high-paying roles, so use them to your advantage. They have connections you don’t, and they’ll negotiate better pay on your behalf.
Ready to land your next actuarial job? Check out the latest opportunities on Acturhire and make your move today!
