Charlottesville vs Chesapeake: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Chesapeake, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Chesapeake, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,704▲ | $105,144 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.80▲ | $50.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,055▲ | $60,984 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,723▲ | $80,168 |
| 75th Percentile | $169,861▲ | $134,585 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $205,691▲ | $162,973 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 63▲ |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chesapeake.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Chesapeake is $27,560 (26.21%). Charlottesville's median is -1.09% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $119,636,Chesapeake spans $101,989. Charlottesville 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, Charlottesville ($128,589 effective) pays 26.21% more than Chesapeake ($101,884 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,704/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($205,691)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,589)
- ✓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 Charlottesville grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -25.4% growth in Chesapeake over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$126,611 (2024) → $128,589 (2025)
Chesapeake, VA
$136,587 (2024) → $101,884 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Chesapeake, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Charlottesville or Chesapeake?
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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