The actuarial job market in 2025 is evolving and these changes are linked to return to office mandates, technological advancements, shifting demographics, and an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Actuarial employers and candidates will have to adapt to these changes to stay competitive in 2025 and beyond. From our market intelligence, here’s what you can expect in 2025.
Candidates
Overall, the actuarial profession in 2025 will be characterized by a deepening reliance on technology, a focus on emerging risks such as climate change and demographic shifts, and an evolving regulatory landscape. Actuaries who combine traditional expertise with cutting-edge technical skills in AI, machine learning, and data analytics will be best positioned to excel.
Looking ahead, the actuarial job market is poised to experience changing job requirements driven by advancements in technology, demographic trends, and evolving industry needs. Automation and artificial intelligence are expected to play an increasingly important role in pricing, risk modeling, and claims forecasting as actuaries integrate AI and machine learning into their work. This will result in increased efficiency and accuracy, and a growing demand for expertise in data analytics and technological innovation, alongside traditional actuarial training.
The ongoing impacts of climate change, including more frequent and severe natural disasters, will heighten the need for actuaries to assess and price environmental risks, particularly in property and casualty insurance. Simultaneously, the aging global population will drive increased demand for actuarial expertise in pension planning and healthcare. Companies and governments will seek innovative solutions to manage the financial risks associated with longer lifespans and rising healthcare costs, and actuaries specializing in these areas will find growth opportunities as these areas evolve.
Regulatory complexity is another key factor influencing the profession. In 2025, the regulatory environment is expected to intensify, with a focus on climate change, data privacy, financial transparency, and healthcare reform. Actuaries will remain indispensable in helping organizations navigate compliance requirements, forecast costs, and ensure financial stability. Professionals who understand these evolving regulations and can provide strategic guidance on adapting to them will be highly sought after, particularly in sectors like health insurance and financial services.
Overall, the actuarial profession in 2025 will be characterized by a deepening reliance on technology, a focus on emerging risks such as climate change and demographic shifts, and an evolving regulatory landscape. Actuaries who combine traditional expertise with cutting-edge technical skills will be best positioned to thrive. As the profession adapts to these changes, those who embrace innovation and align their capabilities with industry needs will find the most promising career prospects.
Clients
The actuarial job market in 2025 remains highly competitive, with an exceptionally low unemployment rate. This, combined with the unprecedented 40% of professionals who changed jobs during or shortly after the pandemic, has created ongoing challenges for hiring. The shift to remote work during the pandemic also reshaped candidate expectations, with over 70% of actuaries expressing a preference for remote or hybrid roles. Back-to-office mandates have intensified these challenges, as candidates are increasingly seeking employers who offer remote flexibility. When employees leave due to rigid workplace policies, filling those positions with hybrid or in-office-only roles becomes even more difficult.
Candidates who have proven themselves to be effective in remote settings are reluctant to return to on-site environments. Additionally, the housing market and persistently high mortgage interest rates (hovering around 6-7%) further deter candidates from relocating for new positions. Employers open to remote hires or roles requiring minimal in-office presence (such as quarterly visits) will have a significantly larger pool of top-tier talent.
Work-life balance remains a primary motivator for actuarial candidates, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z professionals, who now comprise nearly 60% of the actuarial workforce. These generations prioritize flexibility, transparency, a sense of community, continuous learning opportunities, and having a voice in decision-making. In contrast, Baby Boomers and Gen X tend to value teamwork, competition, and professional advancement, with Baby Boomers showing a stronger preference for traditional in-office roles.
The newest entrants to the workforce, Generation Alpha (born post-2010 and now reaching internship and early career stages), bring unique characteristics. Having completed much of their education during remote learning periods, they are technologically adept and self-reliant. However, they may require additional support to develop interpersonal and collaborative skills that were underemphasized in their formative years. Understanding these generational differences is critical for organizations aiming to retain a multigenerational actuarial workforce.
Creating an inclusive and diverse workplace is another key factor in retaining actuarial talent. Studies show that organizations with transparent diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives attract more candidates. Employers who foster a culture of inclusion will not only attract a broader spectrum of candidates but also enhance employee engagement and retention.
Return To Office
In 2025, return-to-office plans are shifting from rigid in-office mandates to more flexible and thoughtful hybrid work setups. Trends for 2025 are pointing to hybrid work models which give employees the flexibility to work from home while still coming in for collaboration and team building. While some companies still allow fully remote work, most have moved forward with mainly hybrid and in-office options for new hires.
Employers are aware that rigid policies could lead to turnover, and flexibility has become a requirement for many employees. Companies are also rethinking their office spaces, with better layouts and tools for teamwork. In 2025, the focus will be on creating a better balance between what workers want and what businesses need, proving that the lessons of the remote work era are still shaping the future.
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