Chesapeake vs Sterling: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Sterling, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Sterling, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,144 | $132,844▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.55 | $63.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,984 | $85,814▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,168 | $100,047▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $134,585 | $170,041▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,973 | $205,909▲ |
| Total Employed | 63▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Sterling, VA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chesapeake.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Sterling is $27,700 (26.34%). Sterling's median is -0.98% 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,Sterling spans $120,095. Sterling 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, Sterling ($128,725 effective) pays 26.34% 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 Sterling if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,844/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($205,909)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,725)
- ✓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 Sterling over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$136,587 (2024) → $101,884 (2025)
Sterling, VA
$126,744 (2024) → $128,725 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Sterling, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Chesapeake or Sterling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Sterling?
Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Sterling as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Chesapeake vs Sterling?
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