Charleston vs Martinsburg: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Charleston, WV and Martinsburg, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, WV | Martinsburg, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,196▲ | $90,369 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.28▲ | $43.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,107▲ | $54,973 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,271▲ | $67,346 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,571▲ | $113,982 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,003▲ | $138,264 |
| Total Employed | 10▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Charleston, WV offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Martinsburg.
The salary gap between Charleston and Martinsburg is $3,827 (4.23%). Charleston's median is -29.79% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $88,896,Martinsburg spans $83,291. Charleston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charleston ($108,897 effective) pays 4.23% more than Martinsburg ($104,473 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,196/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,003)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,897)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Martinsburg if…
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Charleston grew 12.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.8% growth in Martinsburg over the same period.
Charleston, WV
$80,912 (2024) → $91,275 (2025)
Martinsburg, WV
$77,625 (2024) → $87,567 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, WV
Martinsburg, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Charleston or Martinsburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Martinsburg?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Martinsburg as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Charleston vs Martinsburg?
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.
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