Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Norfolk, VA: $61,654 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Norfolk, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,654 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Norfolk's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,742 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($106,300) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the actuarial field in Norfolk, Virginia, the starting salary projected for 2026 is $61,654. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $106,300, it represents a viable entry point into a career that offers substantial growth potential. Within the first few years, entry-level actuaries can realistically expect their salaries to rise as they gain experience and pass actuarial exams; for instance, reaching the 25th percentile salary of $76,536 is achievable within three to five years. Additionally, Norfolk’s current economic climate and demand for skilled professionals indicate it could be a favorable market for new actuarial graduates seeking to build their careers in 2026.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Norfolk
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 Norfolk
Entry-level actuarys in Norfolk, VA typically start between $61,654 and $76,536 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $103,111 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $106,300 — 20.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Virginia of $58,000 represents just 94.07% of the starting actuary pay ($61,654/year) in Norfolk. 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 Norfolk
- 1Research the Norfolk market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $61,654 to $76,536, 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 Norfolk, 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 Norfolk for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Norfolk'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 Norfolk is $103,111 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,654, experienced hygienists can earn up to $164,765.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,317
2025 BLS Actual
$59,742
2026 Current Est.
$61,654
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,317 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,207 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,101 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,564 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,316 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,092 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,742 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,654 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,627 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Norfolk, VA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,317 in 2019 to $59,742 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,627. New graduates entering the Norfolk job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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 Norfolk
In Norfolk, various employers value the fresh perspectives that new graduates bring. Large life insurance companies such as Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual actively recruit entry-level talent, providing structured study time for exam preparation, which is crucial for career advancement. Health insurers also seek entry-level actuaries, while consulting firms like Milliman and Aon tend to offer higher starting salaries to ASA-credentialed analysts. Pursuing continual education and obtaining credentials—like passing SOA or CAS exams—can significantly enhance a new grad’s earning potential; successful candidates typically see their base salary increase by $3,000 to $8,000 per exam passed. Therefore, as entry-level actuaries work towards credentials, they should anticipate a steady increase in pay and may even exceed local salary averages, particularly in consulting roles requiring advanced skills in predictive analytics and data science.
More salary data for Norfolk, 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 Norfolk. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Norfolk 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