Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Suffolk, VA: $86,727 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Suffolk, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $86,727 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Suffolk's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,038 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($136,131) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the actuarial profession in Suffolk, Virginia, the starting salary expectations are grounded in significant potential. A new graduate can anticipate an entry-level actuary salary Suffolk at around $86,727 in 2026, which is notably lower than the city median salary of $136,131. However, this figure doesn’t represent a dead end; instead, it reflects the typical starting point. Over the first three to five years, actuaries can expect their earnings to rise as they progress through the pay spectrum—from the entry-level to the 25th percentile at $104,607 and eventually reaching the median. Given the robust growth trajectory at 3.20%, Suffolk represents a promising market for new grads keen on building their careers in this field.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Suffolk
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 Suffolk
Entry-level actuarys in Suffolk, VA typically start between $86,727 and $104,607 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $124,277 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $136,131 — 1.47% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Virginia of $58,000 represents just 66.88% of the starting actuary pay ($86,727/year) in Suffolk. 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 Suffolk
- 1Research the Suffolk market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $86,727 to $104,607, 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 Suffolk, 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 Suffolk for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Suffolk'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 Suffolk is $124,277 ( 143.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $86,727, experienced hygienists can earn up to $211,004.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,374
2025 BLS Actual
$84,038
2026 Current Est.
$86,727
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,374 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,625 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,663 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,754 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,626 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,947 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,038 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,727 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,502 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Suffolk, VA grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,374 in 2019 to $84,038 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $89,502. New graduates entering the Suffolk job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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 Suffolk
Entry-level roles in Suffolk are primarily filled by large life and health insurance companies, like Prudential and MetLife, as well as consulting firms such as Milliman and Mercer. These employers often recruit recent graduates through campus connections and provide structured training programs, including dedicated study time for actuarial exams. New hires with degrees in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science find themselves at an advantage, especially if they hold VEE credits in economics or accounting. Salary growth in the first few years hinges heavily on exam progression; each passed exam can boost starting actuary salary Suffolk by $3,000 to $8,000. This trend is especially pronounced for those pursuing the ASA designation as they work towards becoming FSAs. With predictive analytics and data science increasingly integral to the actuarial role, newcomers who invest in developing these skills can position themselves for higher earnings and better opportunities in a competitive market.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Suffolk in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Suffolk?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Suffolk?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Suffolk?
How do I become a actuary in Virginia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Suffolk. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Suffolk 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