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.

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.
Karthik Balaji
FSA Actuary
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."
Megan Chaffey
ASA Candidate

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?”

3rd
Best Business Job
8th
Best STEM Job
9th
Overall in the 100 Best Jobs
25th
As a Top Paying Job
*According to the U.S. News and World Report’s 2024 100 Best Jobs.

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.

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Rewarding work. Excellent prospects. Real impact.

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