Actuary Salary in Suffolk, VA: $136,131 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Suffolk, VA earns a median $136,131/year (≈ $65.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $131,910 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Suffolk, Virginia, actuaries can expect a robust median annual salary of $136,131 in 2026, reflecting a slight edge over the national average of $134,160. The local salary range for actuaries spans from $86,727 at the bottom 10th percentile to a top end of $211,004 for the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parity, indicate a healthy job market for both life and health specialists and those focused on property and casualty. This occupational diversity can influence salary potential, as demand for actuarial expertise in specific fields varies considerably. Employers in life insurance, managed care, and consulting continue to create opportunities in Suffolk, contributing to a competitive market for actuaries.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,727 | $41.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,607 | $50.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,131 | $65.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $174,248 | $83.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $211,004 | $101.45 |
Median Salary Position
1.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $124,277 (2026 est.). At $136,131, the local median is 1.47% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk Actuary Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $136,131/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $138,485 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | +1.47% more |
Actuarys in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $136,131 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.47% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $138,485.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $136,131 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $131,910 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,942
2025 BLS Actual
$131,910
2026 Current Est.
$136,131
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
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 | $109,942 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,661 | Actual |
| 2021 | $107,456 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,665 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,763 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,881 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,131 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,487 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $109,942 (2019) to $131,910 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,487 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,545 (27.78%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $86,727 – $104,607 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,607 – $136,131 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,131 – $174,248 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $174,248 – $211,004 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Suffolk
With a modest local workforce of 15 employed actuaries, the job market in Suffolk underscores the competitive dynamics of the profession. The cost of living index of 103.2 illustrates that while expenses are slightly higher than the national average, they remain manageable given the actuarial salary context. Consequently, for those seeking to maximize their pay in Suffolk, aligning with major employers such as Prudential, UnitedHealth, and consulting firms can offer significant advantages. Growth in salary often correlates with exam progression, where passing exams can yield compensation increases of $3,000 to $8,000. Additionally, securing fellowships through SOA or CAS can markedly impact salary prospects. Given the pivotal role that exam completion plays in the salary structure, focusing efforts on advancing through the ASA-to-FSA timeline or Deepening skills in predictive analytics may be essential for those looking to thrive in this evolving market.
More salary data for Suffolk, 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 $131,910 for actuariesin the Suffolk 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 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