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Principal Actuary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Principal Actuary information

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$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal actuary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal actuary in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal actuary?

A Principal Actuary is a senior-level actuarial professional who leads teams in analyzing financial risks, developing models, and advising organizations on insurance, pension plans, or investment strategies. They often oversee complex projects, mentor junior actuaries, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Principal Actuaries play a critical role in strategic decision-making by interpreting data and providing insights to executives and stakeholders. Their expertise helps organizations manage risk and maintain financial stability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal actuary, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Actuary, you need deep expertise in actuarial science, advanced statistical analysis, and extensive experience supported by actuarial credentials such as FSA or FCAS. Mastery of actuarial modeling software, data analytics tools, and regulatory compliance systems is commonly required. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this senior role. These competencies ensure sound risk management, regulatory adherence, and effective guidance of actuarial teams in complex business environments.

How does a principal actuary typically contribute to strategic decision-making within an organization?

A Principal Actuary often plays a key role in shaping an organization’s strategic direction by providing advanced actuarial analysis and insights to senior leadership. They are responsible for interpreting complex data, forecasting long-term financial risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance, which directly influences business strategies such as pricing, reserving, and capital management. Principal Actuaries regularly collaborate with executive teams, finance, and underwriting departments, offering recommendations that support company growth and stability. This high level of responsibility often includes mentoring junior actuaries and leading project teams.

What is the difference between Principal Actuary vs Actuary?

AspectPrincipal ActuaryActuary
CredentialsTypically requires ASA, FSA, or equivalent certificationsRequires ASA, FSA, or equivalent certifications
Work EnvironmentSenior leadership role, often overseeing teams and strategyEntry to mid-level, focused on analysis and modeling
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in insurance, consulting, and finance firms for strategic rolesCommon in insurance companies, consulting firms, and government agencies

The main difference between a Principal Actuary and an Actuary lies in their level of responsibility and seniority. Principal Actuaries hold leadership roles, oversee teams, and influence company strategy, while Actuaries typically focus on analysis, modeling, and supporting decision-making at a more operational level. Both roles require similar credentials, but the Principal Actuary's position involves higher-level management and strategic duties.

More about Principal Actuary jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Actuary jobs? Cities with the most Principal Actuary job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Actuary jobs? The most popular types of Principal Actuary jobs are:
What states have the most Principal Actuary jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Actuary jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal Actuary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

$118K - $189K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 304 rated insurance


Job description

Job Description

Blue Cross NC is seeking a Principal Actuary to provide advanced actuarial analysis and technical support for complex rating and pricing, valuation, and financial forecasting work. This role applies deep knowledge of mathematics, probability, statistics, health insurance, and business principles to support key actuarial functions. The Principal Actuary partners with actuarial teams to ensure a coordinated approach across health programs and provides support to Network Management, Underwriting, and Sales and Marketing. This role may also include team leadership responsibilities, particularly for assigned projects.

What You'll Do

  • Actively contributes to the success of the Actuarial Services team.

  • Responsible for handling highly complex actuarial modeling.

  • Leads and/or provides consultative support to assigned projects and is viewed as an expert in the field.

  • Assists in Rating/Pricing

  • Develop/Maintain rating models

  • Perform Medical Trend analysis

  • Support Administrative Expense factor development

  • Conduct Experience Studies

  • Conduct Rating Factor Studies

  • Support Rate Filing development

  • Assists in support for Financial Forecasting

  • Works with FP&A to support development of Plan forecast for assigned segments

  • Assists in support for Network Management

  • Support evaluation of financial impacts of provider contract changes

  • Assists in support for Underwriting (all segments)

  • Provide ad hoc support for underwriting requests

  • Assists in support for Sales and Marketing

  • Provide support for new product development

  • Provide support for new/existing product programs

  • Continuing Education

  • Responsible for maintaining continuing education requirements as set by the appropriate Actuarial governing body (i.e. Society of Actuaries)

  • Is a participant in good standing in the Actuarial Development Program, if still pursuing the FSA designation

What You Bring

  • Bachelor's degree or advanced degree (where required)

  • Associate of the Society of Actuaries(ASA) and Member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA)

  • 5+ years of experience in related field

  • In lieu of an ASA, alternate actuarial credentials may be considered.

  • In lieu of 5 years of experience, may consider candidates who are Fellows of the Society of Actuaries (FSA).

What You'll Get

  • The opportunity to work at the cutting edge of health care delivery with a team that's deeply invested in the community.

  • Work-life balance, flexibility, and the autonomy to do great work.

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage along with numerous health and wellness programs.

  • Parental leave and support plus adoption and surrogacy assistance.

  • Career development programs and tuition reimbursement for continued education.

  • 401k match including an annual company contribution.

  • Learn more

Where You'll Work

Our Hybrid Flex approach is built on presence with a purpose - giving you flexibility to work remotely with intentional in-person connection - that supports a workplace that's flexible, connected, and future focused.

In a Hybrid-Flex role, you'll work in the office at least two days a week for collaboration and connection. In a Remote Flex role, you'll work virtually, with a few in-office visits each year for meaningful moments that matter.

Whether your role is Hybrid Flex or Remote Flex depends on the nature of the work and distance from our Durham headquarters. We welcome candidates from outside the local area and in any states listed on this job posting. Onsite expectations will be discussed during the interview process.

Salary Range

At Blue Cross NC, we take great pride in a fair and equitable compensation package that reflects market-price and our starting salaries are typically planned near the middle of the range listed. Compensation decisions are driven by factors including experience and training, specialized skill sets, licensure and certifications and other business and organizational needs.Our base salary is part of a robust Total Rewards package that includes an Annual Incentive Bonus*, 401(k) with employer match, Paid Time Off (PTO), and competitive health benefits and wellness programs.

*Based on annual corporate goal achievement and individual performance.

$118,691.00 - $189,906.00

Skills

Actuarial Analysis, Actuarial Modeling, Actuarial Science, Actuarial Services, Benefits Analysis, Budgeting, Complex Project Management, Financial Analysis, Healthcare Management, Office Administration, People Management, Pharmacy, Provider Services, Requirements Management, Support Services, Underwriting Management

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JOB ALERT FRAUD: We have become aware of scams from individuals, organizations, and internet sites claiming to represent Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina in recruitment activities in return for disclosing financial information. Our hiring process does not include text-based conversations or interviews and never requires payment or fees from job applicants. All our career opportunities are published on https://bcbsnc.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/BCBSNC. If you have already provided your personal information that you suspect is fraudulent activity, please report it to your local authorities. Any fraudulent activity should be reported to: HR.Staffing@BCBSNC.com.


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