Staunton vs Virginia Beach: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Staunton, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Staunton, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,747▲ | $104,738 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.82▲ | $50.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,153▲ | $84,645 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,808▲ | $87,926 |
| 75th Percentile | $169,917▲ | $156,028 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $205,758▲ | $183,386 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Staunton, VA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Staunton and Virginia Beach is $28,009 (26.74%). Staunton's median is -1.05% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Staunton spans $119,605,Virginia Beach spans $98,741. Staunton 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, Staunton ($128,631 effective) pays 20.28% 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 Staunton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,747/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($205,758)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,631)
- ✓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 Staunton grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -28.5% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Staunton, VA
$126,652 (2024) → $128,631 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$142,002 (2024) → $101,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Staunton, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Staunton or Virginia Beach?
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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