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.
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?”
Professional Development
Your next chance to shine is only a click away!
Events
2026 U.S. Actuarial Teaching Conference (ATC)
2026 SOA Health Meeting Virtual Event
SAVE THE DATE....Registration will open March 2026.
2026 Supplemental Health, DI & LTC Conference
2026 SOA Valuation Actuary Meeting
2026 SOA Valuation Actuary Meeting Candidate Connect
2026 SOA Valuation Actuary Meeting Virtual
Volunteer Opportunities
Curriculum Developer or Content Creator for the Professional Development Curriculum & Content Creation Committee
Advanced Topics in Predictive Analytics (ATPA) Grader
University Success Coach: USA Student Ambassador Program
Newsletter Article Author – Career Development Community
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Annual Meeting & Exposition | Denver, CO | October 28–31, 2026
American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Annual Conference 2026 | New Orleans, LA | July 11-14th, 2026
Job Search
- Mexico City
Actuarial Analyst
- Toronto, ON
Actuarial Analyst (8 month contract)
- Mumbai
Actuarial Analyst
- Beijing
Professors at All Ranks in the Area of Insurance and Risk Management
- Ontario
Mercer | Actuarial Analyst - Retirement & Health Benefits - Toronto - 2026 New Grad
- United Kingdom
Graduate Actuarial Analyst
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.
Education
Resources and tools for your first exam.
Exams & Registration
Ready to take a step forward? Learn about registering for your first exam.
Community
Find candidate events to meet others, make connections and build your network.