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
November 24, 2026

SOA-SOAT Joint Seminar

This seminar will provide a learning and networking platform for seasoned presenters, members and non-members in the Taiwan region to share their experiences in the actuarial field. It is hosted in partnership with the Actuarial Institute of Chinese Taipei (AICT).
In-Person/Virtual Event
December 2-3, 2026

2026 SOA Virtual CPD Roundup

In-Person/Virtual Event
December 9, 2026

Emerging Issues and Practice for Actuaries in the Use of AI 2026

Gather with members and non-members in the China actuarial community to discuss recent topics and related issues in areas such as macroeconomic sharing, pension, investment, product strategy, and more.
In-Person/Virtual Event
December 11, 2026

2026 SOA China Symposium

Gather with members and non-members in the China actuarial community to discuss recent topics and related issues in areas such as macroeconomic sharing, pension, investment, product strategy, and more.
In-Person/Virtual Event
December 12, 2026

2026 SOA Professionalism Course - Beijing

Gather with members and non-members in the China actuarial community to discuss recent topics and related issues in areas such as macroeconomic sharing, pension, investment, product strategy, and more.
In-Person/Virtual Event
March 7-10, 2027

2027 ReFocus Conference

ReFocus is an annual global conference for senior-level life insurance and reinsurance executives hosted jointly by ACLI and the Society of Actuaries (SOA). This event features top-notch speakers, thought-provoking sessions, and superior networking opportunities.

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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