Top Actuary Skills for 2026

Source: O*NET 30.0 Database (SOC 15-2011) · Updated April 2026

According to O*NET 30.0 occupational data (SOC 15-2011), these are the tools, technologies, and competencies employers require for Actuary positions. Add the ones you have to your resume — and consider building the ones you don't.

Tools & Technologies for Actuarys

High-demand tools and technologies for Actuary roles. Use exact names when listing on your resume — ATS systems match on precise tool names.

1 Microsoft Excel
2 Microsoft Office software
3 Microsoft Power BI
4 Microsoft PowerPoint
5 Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
6 Python
7 R
8 SAS
9 Structured query language SQL
10 Tableau

Core Occupational Skills for Actuarys

These competencies are most important for Actuary performance. Don't list these generically — demonstrate them through quantified achievements in your work experience section.

✓ Reading Comprehension
✓ Mathematics
✓ Critical Thinking
✓ Judgment and Decision Making
✓ Active Listening
✓ Complex Problem Solving
✓ Systems Evaluation
✓ Speaking
✓ Systems Analysis
✓ Writing

Knowledge Areas for Actuary Roles

Core knowledge domains for this occupation. Demonstrating depth in these areas signals readiness to employers and sets you apart from candidates with surface-level experience.

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    Mathematics

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    Computers and Electronics

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    Economics and Accounting

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    English Language

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    Law and Government

Certifications That Boost a Actuary Resume

These certifications signal validated expertise to employers and often correlate with higher compensation. Add them to a dedicated Certifications section on your resume.

ASA (SOA)

Verify current requirements before listing

FSA (SOA)

Verify current requirements before listing

FCAS (CAS)

Verify current requirements before listing

MAAA

Verify current requirements before listing

ATS Optimization Tips for Actuary Resumes

  • 1. Use exact tool names from this list — ATS systems match on "Microsoft Excel" not "Excel."
  • 2. Mirror keywords from the job description — don't just use this list verbatim.
  • 3. Put a "Skills" or "Technical Skills" section near the top of your resume.
  • 4. Only list skills you can discuss confidently in an interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important skills for a Actuary resume?
The top skills for Actuary resumes include Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Power BI, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA. These are the tools and technologies most frequently required in Actuary job postings, according to O*NET occupational data (SOC 15-2011).
How many skills should I list on my Actuary resume?
List 8–12 relevant skills. Prioritize skills from the job description, then add complementary skills from this guide. For ATS purposes, use exact tool names (e.g., "Microsoft Excel" not just "spreadsheets"). Quality and match-rate to the posting matters more than length.
What soft skills do employers look for in Actuarys?
Employers hiring Actuarys prioritize occupational skills like Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making. Rather than listing these generically, demonstrate them through specific achievements in your work experience bullets.
What knowledge areas are most important for Actuarys?
O*NET identifies the following core knowledge domains for Actuary roles: Mathematics, Computers and Electronics, Economics and Accounting, English Language, Law and Government.

Skills and knowledge data: O*NET 30.0 Database (CC-BY 4.0), U.S. Department of Labor. Actual requirements vary by employer and role.