Actuary Pay

Burke vs Chesapeake: Actuary Salary (2026)

Compare actuary salaries between Burke, VA and Chesapeake, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Burke, VA
$136,722
$65.73/hr
Chesapeake, VA
$105,144
$50.55/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBurke, VAChesapeake, VA
Median Salary$136,722$105,144
Hourly Rate$65.73$50.55
Entry Level (P10)$84,133$60,984
25th Percentile$102,489$80,168
75th Percentile$175,004$134,585
Top Earner (P90)$211,920$162,973
Total Employed1063
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Burke ($136,722) and Chesapeake ($105,144) actuary salaries.BurkeChesapeakeMedian Salary$136,722$105,144Entry Level (P10)$84,133$60,984Top Earner (P90)$211,920$162,973US Median $134,160

Verdict

Burke, VA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chesapeake.

The salary gap between Burke and Chesapeake is $31,578 (30.03%). Burke's median is +1.91% compared to the US national median of $134,160.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burke spans $127,787,Chesapeake spans $101,989. Burke has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Burke
P10 (Entry)$84,133
P25$102,489
Median$136,722
P75$175,004
P90 (Top)$211,920
Chesapeake
P10 (Entry)$60,984
P25$80,168
Median$105,144
P75$134,585
P90 (Top)$162,973

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Burke ($132,483 effective) pays 30.03% more than Chesapeake ($101,884 effective).

Burke
Nominal: $136,722
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $132,483
Chesapeake
Nominal: $105,144
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $101,884

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Burke if…

  • Higher median salary ($136,722/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($211,920)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,483)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Chesapeake if…

  • Larger job market (63 employed)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Burke grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -25.4% growth in Chesapeake over the same period.

Burke, VA

+1.6%

$130,445 (2024) → $132,483 (2025)

Chesapeake, VA

+-25.4%

$136,587 (2024) → $101,884 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays actuarys more: Burke or Chesapeake?

Burke has a higher median actuary salary at $136,722/year, compared to Chesapeake at $105,144/year — a difference of $31,578 (30.03%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Burke and Chesapeake?

Burke actuarys earn $65.73/hr while Chesapeake hygienists earn $50.55/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Burke to Chesapeake as a actuary?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Burke and Chesapeake. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Burke = $132,483, Chesapeake = $101,884), job availability (10 vs 63 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level actuarys earn in Burke vs Chesapeake?

Entry-level (10th percentile) actuarys earn $84,133 in Burke and $60,984 in Chesapeake. The Burke area offers higher starting salaries.
MC

Written by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA

Career Analyst

Maria has 10 years of experience in life insurance. She specializes in risk assessment and pricing strategies.

Clinically reviewed by David Patel, ASA, MAAAData verified by Aisha Khan, FSA, CERA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov