Portsmouth vs Richmond: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Portsmouth, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portsmouth, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,971 | $136,121▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.41 | $65.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,837 | $96,740▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $100,413 | $103,602▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $171,483▲ | $170,053 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $207,655 | $219,548▲ |
| Total Employed | 17 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Portsmouth.
The salary gap between Portsmouth and Richmond is $2,150 (1.60%). Richmond's median is +1.46% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portsmouth spans $125,818,Richmond spans $122,808. Portsmouth 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, Richmond ($139,101 effective) pays 7.15% more than Portsmouth ($129,817 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portsmouth if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,121/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,548)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,101)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Portsmouth grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.2% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Portsmouth, VA
$127,820 (2024) → $129,817 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$137,720 (2019) → $131,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portsmouth, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Portsmouth or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portsmouth and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Portsmouth to Richmond 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