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Principal Actuary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Actuary Life, SG-28

Albany, NY · On-site

$112K - $138K/yr

As an Actuary in the NYS Department of Financial Services, you will supervise, review, or assist in the review of actuarial issues related to pricing, solvency, and market conduct of life and health ...

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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 Sep 3, 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.

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 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.

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.

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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 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Principal Actuary, Cost of Care

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$118K - $189K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Conduct actuarial or analytical work related to pricing, strategy, and evaluation of cost containment initiatives within the Cost of Care portfolio.

  • Complete complex actuarial or analytical projects ensuring timeliness, compliance, and quality, and communicate results effectively across the organization.

  • Develop measurement models for cost savings initiatives across various strategic areas including clinical care management, payment arrangements, and policy adherence.


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

196th of 315 rated insurance


Job description

Job Description

The Principal Actuary delivers a broad range of actuarial or analytical work for the company, such as conducting pricing and actuarial strategy for a business segment, evaluating advanced care management models, performing competitive benchmarking analysis, and conducting economic value evaluation of cost containment initiatives. They support the company strategy by providing sound, consistent, and actionable actuarial analysis and recommendations, and can identify and react to nuanced risks and opportunities. This particular role will focus on performance evaluations for both existing initiatives within the Cost of Care portfolio and newly proposed initiatives across several different subject areas including clinical, pharmacy, network, payment integrity, value-based care, and more.

What You'll Do

  • Accountable for completion of complex actuarial or analytical projects, ensuring timeliness, compliance, and quality of work

  • Provide proactive and strategic thought leadership of ways to improve processes, reduce risks, and meet department and enterprise objectives to achieve profitable growth and/or improve value, quality, and access for Blue Cross NC customers

  • Achieve segment financial targets and provide concise explanations of results and variances to expectations; act as a financial steward for the company

  • Communicate effectively with all levels and divisions within the organization, including Divisional Leadership

  • Manage external partnerships with vendors, auditors, regulators, and health care providers, including effective negotiation of contracts and/or rates

  • Develop and maintain strong business relationships with internal partners through business expertise and exceptional support; act as a strategic advisor

  • Meet continuing education standards required for job function, thought leadership and maintenance of actuarial credentials.

  • Develop measurement models for various cost savings initiatives across the company's many strategic areas including, but not limited to clinical care management, alternative payment arrangements with providers, medical coding and policy adherence practices, and other emerging drivers of trend.

What You Bring

  • Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in related field

  • ASA designation (FSA preferred); exam takers may be considered based on other experience

  • 5+ years of relevant actuarial experience, related experience may be considered.

Bonus Points

  • SQL-based data queries and data management

  • Experience with data visualization applications such as Power-BI and Tableau

  • Experience creating and presenting external, client-facing materials and reports.

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

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

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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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