Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Manassas, VA: $86,407 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Manassas, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $86,407 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manassas's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,728 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,616) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates considering a career as an actuary in Manassas, Virginia, should anticipate a starting salary that typically begins around $86,407. This amount represents the lower decile for entry-level positions and may feel modest compared to the city median annual salary of $134,616. However, early-career actuaries can expect to see significant growth in their earnings as they gain experience and credibility in the field. Over the first three to five years, salaries can progress to around $103,547 at the 25th percentile, with the potential to approach the median as skills and responsibilities increase. Given the growing demand for actuarial expertise, particularly in 2026, Manassas presents a solid market for new graduates seeking opportunities in this profession.
About the Manassas Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manassas
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 Manassas
Entry-level actuarys in Manassas, VA typically start between $86,407 and $103,547 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $122,248 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,616 — 0.34% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Virginia of $58,000 represents just 67.12% of the starting actuary pay ($86,407/year) in Manassas. 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 Manassas
- 1Research the Manassas market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $86,407 to $103,547, 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 Manassas, 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 Manassas for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manassas'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 Manassas is $122,248 ( 141.48%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $86,407, experienced hygienists can earn up to $208,655.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,118
2025 BLS Actual
$83,728
2026 Current Est.
$86,407
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Manassas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,118 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,365 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,413 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,471 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,329 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,626 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,728 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,407 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,172 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Manassas, VA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,118 in 2019 to $83,728 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $89,172. New graduates entering the Manassas job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manassas 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 Manassas
In terms of employment prospects, several major players in the industry hire entry-level actuaries in Manassas. Large life insurers like Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual often recruit recent graduates through campus pipelines, providing structured study time for actuarial exams—an essential strategy for career advancement. Health insurance companies also seek entry-level professionals, while consulting firms such as Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW look for individuals with credentials like the ASA designation, which generally indicates a higher base salary. For aspiring actuaries in Virginia, earning a bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science is crucial. Progressing through the necessary exams not only facilitates advancement but also enhances earning potential, as each passed exam can lead to an increase in base salary of $3,000 to $8,000. Consequently, new graduates should remain strategically focused on exam completion and developing skills in predictive analytics, as these are increasingly sought after in the competitive job market.
More salary data for Manassas, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Manassas. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manassas 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