Richmond vs Virginia Beach: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Richmond, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,121▲ | $104,738 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.45▲ | $50.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,740▲ | $84,645 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,602▲ | $87,926 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,053▲ | $156,028 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,548▲ | $183,386 |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Richmond and Virginia Beach is $31,383 (29.96%). 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 Richmond spans $122,808,Virginia Beach spans $98,741. Richmond 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 30.07% 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 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
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Richmond grew -4.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -28.5% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$137,720 (2019) → $131,900 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$142,002 (2024) → $101,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Richmond or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Virginia Beach 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