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 Life Insurance & Annuity Conference
ASM-SOA Joint Seminar
2026 SOA AI Insights for Actuaries: A Virtual Symposium
2026 Asia-Pacific Symposium
SOA’s Asia Actuarial Teaching Conference (ATC)
2026 SOA Health Meeting
Volunteer Opportunities
Curriculum Developer or Content Creator for the Professional Development Curriculum & Content Creation Committee
Advanced Topics in Predictive Analytics (ATPA) Grader
e-Learning Courseware Development for Proposed US Regulatory Certificate on Health Insurance
e-Learning Courseware Development for Proposed US Regulatory Certificate on Life Insurance
University Success Coach: USA Student Ambassador Program
Curriculum Committee Membership CFE201 CP311
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.