What does an actuary do?

Shape the future with numbers

An actuary is a professional expert on analyzing risk. Beyond crunching numbers, actuaries think three-dimensionally, using their knowledge of math, human behavior, and business realities to identify the likely real-world outcomes. By measuring the risks ahead, actuaries help clear a path to progress.

No two workdays are the same in a career where numbers and real life (even life-and-death) intersect. What remains consistent: the countless opportunities for people with these skills.

Karthik Balaji
FSA Actuary
An actuary is someone who can put a number on something that’s not certain. So usually where there’s uncertainty, there’s usually an open door for an actuary to play a role. We help people and organizations understand the impact of unpredictable events.
Megan Chaffey
ASA Candidate
Actuaries also have a high code of ethics so the goal is when you're signing off on something, you're saying, "this is the truth. this is the fact."
Why become an actuary?

A top-ranked, high-impact career

In a world of risk, your future is secure as an actuary. Consistently rated among top careers by U.S. News and World Report, actuaries have high salaries, an array of paths for growth and advancement, and a satisfying work/life balance. (We know you’re a numbers person, so we brought some data.)

As an SOA member, you can access a community of career actuaries who actively share their experiences. Find answers to questions such as, “What is an actuary’s day actually like?”

Actuary Ranked
5th
Best Technology Jobs
Actuary Ranked
7th
Best STEM Job
Actuary Ranked
10th
Overall in the 100 Best Jobs
*According to the U.S. News and World Report's 2025 100 Best Jobs.
Professional Development

Your next chance to shine is only a click away!

In-Person/Virtual Event
July 19-21, 2026

2026 U.S. Actuarial Teaching Conference (ATC)

The Actuarial Teaching Conference (ATC) provides an opportunity for all faculty members engaged in actuarial teaching to come together, participate in learning sessions, share ideas, network with each other and learn more about the actuarial profession.
In-Person/Virtual Event
July 21-23, 2026

2026 SOA Health Meeting Virtual Event

SAVE THE DATE....Registration will open March 2026.

In-Person/Virtual Event
July 29-31, 2026

2026 Supplemental Health, DI & LTC Conference

Explore a unique opportunity to learn about cross-functional perspectives on supplemental health products, individual disability insurance, and long-term care standalone and combination products, featuring sessions on pricing/product design, filing, underwriting, claims and more.
In-Person/Virtual Event
August 23-26, 2026

2026 SOA Valuation Actuary Meeting

In-Person/Virtual Event
August 24, 2026

2026 SOA Valuation Actuary Meeting Candidate Connect

The Candidate Connect at the 2024 ValAct Meeting provides information, inspiration and networking opportunities to actuarial candidates pursuing their ASA.
In-Person/Virtual Event
September 15-17, 2026

2026 SOA Valuation Actuary Meeting Virtual

Empower for success with in-depth content on the latest valuation and financial reporting concepts, including US GAPP, US Tax Account, and International Reporting Standards (IFRS). Attend ValAct from any location at your convenience.

Start your actuarial journey

Through education and research, the Society of Actuaries (SOA) advances actuaries as leaders in measuring and managing risk to improve financial outcomes for individuals, organizations, and the public.

Start Your Actuarial Journey

Take the first step on your path to an actuarial career.

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