If you work and pay taxes, have house or vehicle insurance, are a member of an HMO, or save for retirement, you rely on the work of actuaries. Actuaries are a unique breed of problem solvers in the business world; there are only 19,000 of them working in North America, but they are in high demand in the insurance and financial securities industries due to their ability to value possibilities. 

They improve financial decision-making by projecting future hazards using mathematical models. Actuaries enter the sector with advanced math skills in statistics, calculus, and probability, as well as strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management abilities. They are experts in finance, accounting, and economics, as well as computer technology. 

Actuaries must be able to explain their conclusions into clear language for clients and coworkers in addition to being math wizards. Actuaries' on-the-job training can last more than a decade as they complete a series of eight essential tests to become fully qualified. For each exam, the Society of Actuaries advises at least 400 hours of preparation. 

Actuarial job opportunities are expanding. Multinational corporations and government agencies are increasingly turning to actuaries to help them assess the financial implications of unpredictable future events. Accredited actuaries can earn six figures with this crucial expertise.