Portsmouth vs Virginia Beach: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Portsmouth, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portsmouth, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,971▲ | $104,738 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.41▲ | $50.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,837 | $84,645▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $100,413▲ | $87,926 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,483▲ | $156,028 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $207,655▲ | $183,386 |
| Total Employed | 17 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Portsmouth, VA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Portsmouth and Virginia Beach is $29,233 (27.91%). Portsmouth's median is -0.14% 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,Virginia Beach spans $98,741. 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, Portsmouth ($129,817 effective) pays 21.39% more than Virginia Beach ($106,940 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portsmouth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,971/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($207,655)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,817)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓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 -28.5% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Portsmouth, VA
$127,820 (2024) → $129,817 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$142,002 (2024) → $101,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portsmouth, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Portsmouth or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portsmouth and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Portsmouth to Virginia Beach as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Portsmouth vs Virginia Beach?
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