Actuary Salary in Fairmont, WV: $89,023 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Fairmont, WV earns a median $89,023/year (≈ $42.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Fairmont's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.5), that paycheck buys what $102,917 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.9% below the West Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With the projected median annual actuary salary in Fairmont set at $89,023 in 2026, this figure represents a notable difference when compared to the national median of $134,160. The salary range in this city stretches from $59,851 at the 10th percentile to $137,987 at the 90th percentile, indicating a varied compensation structure that accommodates different experience levels and specialties. These estimates are informed by state-level data based on 2025 BLS information and adjusted for regional price disparities. Additionally, Fairmont’s competitive edge is clear from the limited number of actuaries currently employed in the area, suggesting opportunities for growth and entry into the market.
About the Fairmont Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,851 | $28.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,205 | $33.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,023 | $42.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,950 | $54.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $137,987 | $66.34 |
Median Salary Position
33.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairmont
In Fairmont, WV, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,136 (2026 est.). At $89,023, the local median is 33.64% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairmont: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairmont Actuary Pay Compares
Fairmont median: $89,023/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairmont Pays |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Average | $95,621 | -6.90% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -33.64% less |
Actuarys in Fairmont, WV earn a median of $89,023 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.64% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 6.90% below the West Virginia state average of $95,621.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairmont has a cost of living 13.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairmont, WV has a cost-of-living index of 86.5 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $89,023 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $102,917 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,897
2025 BLS Actual
$86,263
2026 Current Est.
$89,023
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Fairmont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,897 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,675 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,271 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,639 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,627 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,469 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,263 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,023 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,872 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairmont metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $71,897 (2019) to $86,263 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,872 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,975 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairmont 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) | $59,851 – $70,205 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,205 – $89,023 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,023 – $113,950 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,950 – $137,987 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Fairmont
Exam progression remains a significant factor influencing earnings for those pursuing an actuary career in Fairmont, WV. Currently, only four actuaries are employed locally, which implies that job competition is stable. The cost of living in Fairmont is indexed at 86.5, highlighting a more affordable backdrop that can enhance purchasing power compared to higher-cost areas. Employers such as Prudential, UnitedHealth, and Progressive are notable players that typically offer attractive compensation structures. Those looking to maximize actuary pay in the Fairmont market can benefit from the exam progression framework, as each passed exam tends to command an increase in salary. Candidates should also consider pursuing specialized designations like FSA or FCAS, as these often unlock higher pay brackets, particularly in consulting firms where demand for FSAs is escalating due to evolving industry needs.
More salary data for Fairmont, WV:
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 $86,263 for actuariesin the Fairmont 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 Fairmont 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