Chesapeake vs Herndon: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Herndon, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Herndon, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,144 | $129,694▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.55 | $62.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,984 | $88,077▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,168 | $103,330▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $134,585 | $162,315▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,973 | $196,382▲ |
| Total Employed | 63▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Herndon, VA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chesapeake.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Herndon is $24,550 (23.35%). Herndon's median is -3.33% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $101,989,Herndon spans $108,305. Herndon has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Herndon ($125,672 effective) pays 23.35% 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 Chesapeake if…
- ✓Larger job market (63 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Herndon if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,694/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($196,382)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,672)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Chesapeake grew -25.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in Herndon over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$136,587 (2024) → $101,884 (2025)
Herndon, VA
$123,738 (2024) → $125,672 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Herndon, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Chesapeake or Herndon?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Herndon?
Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Herndon as a actuary?
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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