Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Bristol, VA: $85,667 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Bristol, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,667 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bristol's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,011 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($133,139) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the actuarial field in Bristol, VA, can expect an entry-level salary around $85,667, which sets a foundation significantly below the overall city median annual income of $133,139. This gap illustrates the typical progression new actuaries may expect during the early years of their careers. Over the first three to five years, a motivated entry-level actuary moving from $85,667 to $102,200 can be achieved as they gain experience and knowledge. With a growth trajectory showing a 3.20% annual increase, Bristol presents a stable market for new graduates considering their career pathways in this profession.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bristol
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
Entry-level actuarys in Bristol, VA typically start between $85,667 and $102,200 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $120,699 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $133,139 — 0.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Virginia of $58,000 represents just 67.70% of the starting actuary pay ($85,667/year) in Bristol. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover bachelor's degree tuition at public and private universities, plus estimated actuarial exam fees and study materials. Employers often cover exam costs once employed.
ASA, FSA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Bristol
- 1Research the Bristol market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $85,667 to $102,200, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the actuarial science field — employers in VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bristol, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Bristol for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bristol's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Bristol is $120,699 ( 140.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,667, experienced hygienists can earn up to $206,366.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,526
2025 BLS Actual
$83,011
2026 Current Est.
$85,667
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,526 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,762 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,836 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,816 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,641 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,902 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,011 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,667 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,409 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Bristol, VA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,526 in 2019 to $83,011 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,409. New graduates entering the Bristol job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your actuarial science Career in Bristol
Actuaries in Bristol have a variety of potential employers, including large life insurers like Prudential and MetLife, which actively seek entry-level candidates through college recruitment. These organizations often provide structured support for exam preparation, crucial for advancing within the profession. Health insurers also hire new actuaries, while consulting firms such as Milliman, Mercer, and Aon specifically recruit analysts with credentials like the ASA. Students who complete a bachelor’s degree in fields like math or finance and pass required actuarial exams have the best opportunities for immediate employment. The exam progression holds significant importance in shaping starting pay. Each exam passed typically translates to an increase in base salary, positioning those on the path to ASA or FSA credentials for better compensation in the long run. In this context, new actuaries in Bristol can realistically anticipate salary growth as they advance through exams, with predictive analytics skills further enhancing their job prospects.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Bristol in 2026?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new actuarial science graduates. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Bristol. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for actuarys (SOC 15-2011).
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov