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 Supplemental Health, DI & LTC Conference
2026 SOA Valuation Actuary Meeting
2026 SOA Valuation Actuary Meeting Candidate Connect
2026 SOA Valuation Actuary Meeting Virtual
2026 SOA Actuaries Connect - Karachi, Pakistan
The SOA Seoul Seminar
Volunteer Opportunities
Curriculum Developer or Content Creator for the Professional Development Curriculum & Content Creation Committee
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
Volunteer Facilitator – Mathematics of Personal Finance Workshop (Wealth, Time, Risk & Value)
Job Search
- North Carolina
Actuarial Analyst
- AUSTIN, TX
Health Actuary
- Other/Remote
Remote opportunities for Annuity Actuary (PR13141/13142)
- United Kingdom
Actuarial Analyst
- United Kingdom
Actuarial Analyst
- United Kingdom
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.