If you're picturing either endless spreadsheets or a relaxed 9-to-5, the reality sits somewhere in the middle. Actuarial jobs are known for offering structure and stability&mdash;but that doesn&rsquo;t mean every role is the same.
In this guide, we&rsquo;ll break down what actuarial work hours actually look like in 2025, how they vary by industry and career stage, and what kind of lifestyle you can expect compared to other high-paying professions. Whether you're a student planning your future or a professional considering a switch, this will help you understand the real-world rhythm of an actuarial career.
<h2>1. Do Actuaries Work Long Hours? Here&rsquo;s the Real Answer</h2>
Most actuaries work 35 to 45 hours a week, but that number can go up depending on industry and time of year. Unlike careers in finance or tech, actuaries often enjoy more control over their schedules, with less unpredictability and lower burnout.
<h2>2. Which Actuary Roles Have the Longest Hours? </h2>
Here&rsquo;s how work hours compare across major actuarial sectors:
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Sectors
</td>
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Weekly Hours
</td>
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Flexibility
</td>
</tr>
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<td width="208">
Life/Health Insurance
</td>
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37&ndash;40 hrs
</td>
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High
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
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Consulting
</td>
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45&ndash;55 hrs
</td>
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Medium
</td>
</tr>
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Government
</td>
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35&ndash;40 hrs
</td>
<td width="208">
Very High
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
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Pension Funds
</td>
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38&ndash;42 hrs
</td>
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Moderate
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Consulting roles tend to be the busiest, while insurance and government positions are often more balanced.
<h2>3. How Studying for Actuarial Exams Affects Your Work-Life Balance</h2>
Studying for actuarial exams is no small feat. Many early-career actuaries juggle full-time work with 15&ndash;20 hours of weekly exam prep. The key to surviving this phase:
<ul>
<li>Use your employer's study time allowance wisely.</li>
<li>Plan study hours as part of your weekly schedule.</li>
<li>Don&rsquo;t try to overachieve at work and study at the same time&mdash;balance is strategic.</li>
</ul>
<h2>4. What Crunch Time Looks Like: When Actuaries Work Overtime</h2>
Even balanced jobs have their busy seasons. Actuaries may work overtime during:
<ul>
<li>Year-end or quarter-end financial reporting</li>
<li>Regulatory audits</li>
<li>Budget planning periods</li>
</ul>
But outside these timeframes, most actuaries enjoy consistent hours without late-night emergencies or constant fire drills.
<h2>5. Remote Work and Flexibility: How Actuaries Are Designing Their Workdays in 2025</h2>
Remote and hybrid work have become the new normal in the actuarial world.
<ul>
<li>Most actuarial firms now support 2&ndash;3 days of remote work per week.</li>
<li>Time-blocking and async work tools allow actuaries to work during their peak focus hours.</li>
<li>Work-life design, not just balance, is now the goal.</li>
</ul>
<h2>6. Will AI Make Actuary Jobs Easier or Busier? What to Know About the Future</h2>
Actuaries are using AI and automation to eliminate repetitive tasks like data cleaning and report generation. That means:
<ul>
<li>Fewer manual hours spent on low-value tasks.</li>
<li>More time for strategic, high-impact analysis.</li>
<li>Greater flexibility in daily scheduling and workload.</li>
</ul>
<h2>7. Should You Choose an Actuarial Career for Work-Life Balance? Let&rsquo;s Compare</h2>
Compared to high-pressure careers, actuaries often have it better:
<table width="624">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="156">
Career
</td>
<td width="156">
Avg. Hours
</td>
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Stress Level
</td>
<td width="156">
Flexibility
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="156">
Actuary
</td>
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40&ndash;45 hrs
</td>
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Low&ndash;Moderate
</td>
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High
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="156">
Investment Banker
</td>
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60&ndash;80 hrs
</td>
<td width="156">
Very High
</td>
<td width="156">
Low
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="156">
Software Engineer
</td>
<td width="156">
45&ndash;50 hrs
</td>
<td width="156">
Moderate
</td>
<td width="156">
Medium
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="156">
CPA (Busy Season)
</td>
<td width="156">
55&ndash;70 hrs
</td>
<td width="156">
High
</td>
<td width="156">
Low
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
If you&rsquo;re looking for a career with predictability, high salary, and job stability, actuarial science checks a lot of boxes.
<h2>Explore Actuarial Roles That Fit Your Lifestyle</h2>
Looking for a career with predictable hours, strong growth potential, and intellectual challenge? Browse hundreds of active <a href="https://www.actuarylist.com/" class="link underline">actuary jobs</a> across insurance, consulting, pensions, and more &mdash; tailored to every career stage.
Not ready to apply yet?
Visit the <a href="https://www.actuarylist.com/blog" class="link underline">Actuary List Blog</a> for expert advice on actuarial exams, salary trends, job interviews, and tips to grow your career with confidence.
<h2>FAQs: Common Questions About Actuary Job Hours</h2>
Q1: How many hours does a typical actuary work per week? Most actuaries work 35&ndash;45 hours, with occasional overtime during reporting cycles.
Q2: Do actuaries work weekends or late nights? Rarely. Standard business hours are the norm, especially in insurance and government.
Q3: Can actuaries work from home? Yes. Remote and hybrid setups are now widely supported in most companies.
Q4: Which actuarial roles offer the best balance? Insurance, government, and public sector roles tend to be the most balanced. Consulting is more demanding.
Q5: Will AI reduce workload for actuaries? Yes. Automation is helping actuaries spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time on strategic thinking.

Curious how many hours actuaries work in 2025? Discover real-life work hours across industries, how exam prep affects your schedule, and what lifestyle to expect.

Actuary Work Hours in 2025: How Many Hours, What to Expect, and How It Impacts Your Lifestyle