Why AI Won’t Replace Actuaries


By now, many of you have seen that viral Microsoft list of the top 40 jobs expected to be replaced by AI. Number 17 on that list? Mathematician. Number 27? Statistical assistant. And number 29? Data scientist.

But one job is noticeably absent: Actuary.

That’s right—our profession didn’t make the list. And there’s a good reason for that.

Recently, a couple of college students asked me whether actuarial science is still a smart career choice. “Isn’t AI going to replace you?” they wondered. My answer: absolutely not. In fact, I believe AI will enhance our profession—not eliminate it.

Here’s why.

Every actuarial situation is different. Every client is unique. Every business challenge requires context, judgment, and human understanding. AI may be able to crunch numbers at lightning speed, but it can’t replicate the nuance of applying those results in a way that fits the client’s circumstances, aligns with regulations, and supports sound decision-making.

That’s the human element. That’s what makes actuaries essential—and, frankly, irreplaceable.

We’ve seen this before. Decades ago, actuaries used slide rules. Then came calculators, then spreadsheets, then modeling software. With each evolution, the tools changed, but the role only grew in importance. As technology advanced, actuaries moved from rote calculation to higher-level, more strategic work—making us even more valuable to the businesses we serve.

AI is just the next step in that evolution. Far from replacing actuaries, it will allow us to focus more on insight, strategy, and human connection—the very things that make our profession so impactful.


So when I see that list of jobs at risk, my response is simple: AI, bring it on.

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