Actuary Salary in Reston, VA: $135,396 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Reston, VA earns a median $135,396/year (≈ $65.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Reston's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $131,198 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median actuary salary in Reston, Virginia is estimated at $135,396, slightly above the national median of $134,160. Actuaries in this area can expect to earn between $85,099 at the 10th percentile to $209,864 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the competitive nature of the local job market. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight Reston’s appeal as a lucrative destination for actuarial professionals. As the market expands, opportunities continue to grow, making it an attractive option for both seasoned professionals and those entering the field.
About the Reston Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,099 | $40.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,171 | $49.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,396 | $65.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $173,307 | $83.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $209,864 | $100.90 |
Median Salary Position
0.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Reston
In Reston, VA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $124,765 (2026 est.). At $135,396, the local median is 0.92% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Reston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Reston Actuary Pay Compares
Reston median: $135,396/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Reston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $138,442 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | +0.92% more |
Actuarys in Reston, VA earn a median of $135,396 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.92% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 2.20% below the Virginia state average of $138,442.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Reston has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Reston, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $135,396 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $131,198 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,348
2025 BLS Actual
$131,198
2026 Current Est.
$135,396
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Reston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,348 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,053 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,876 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,106 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,198 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,396 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,729 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Reston metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $109,348 (2019) to $131,198 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,729 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,381 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Reston 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $85,099 – $103,171 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,171 – $135,396 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,396 – $173,307 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $173,307 – $209,864 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Reston
The local landscape includes 16 actuaries currently employed in Reston, which contributes to its strong professional community. However, the cost of living index stands at 103.2, indicating higher expenses that can impact take-home pay. Employers such as Prudential, UnitedHealth, and Mercer typically offer higher compensation packages, especially for actuaries with advanced credentials. The disparity in salaries often stems from the progression through actuarial exams; with each exam passed, professionals can anticipate a pay increase ranging from $3,000 to $8,000. Specialization in areas like property/casualty reinsurance or consulting can further elevate earning potential. Maximizing pay in Reston VA requires strategic exam progression, investment in relevant skill sets, and consideration of job opportunities in high-paying sectors such as consulting or health insurance.
More salary data for Reston, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $131,198 for actuariesin the Reston metropolitan area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Reston 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