Senior Actuary Salary in Bristol, VA: $206,366 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Bristol, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $206,366/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Bristol's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $199,967 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Virginia, senior actuaries stand to earn significant compensation, with the top-tier salaries reaching up to $206,366 in 2026. This figure reveals a substantial earning potential for seasoned professionals in the actuarial field, particularly when compared to the estimated median salary of $133,139. The expansive gap between these numbers highlights the value that extensive experience and specialized skills bring to the table. To attain such a high salary, professionals must not only navigate advanced actuarial concepts but also achieve key credentials, such as the ASA and FSA designations. Continuous learning through the passing of rigorous exams, combined with practical experience, positions actuaries in Bristol to capitalize on their expertise in a competitive market.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Bristol earn between $170,418 and $206,366 per year (2026 est.). This $120,699 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bristol median of $133,139 sits 0.76% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Bristol | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $133,139 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,418 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $206,366 | $221,983 |
In Bristol, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Bristol
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $133,139 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bristol employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Bristol command premium compensation, often reaching the $170,418–$206,366 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bristol metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Bristol with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Actuaries in Virginia who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Actuary Career & Wage Growth Path in Bristol
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBristol ranks #25 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $206,366).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Bristol ($206,366) is 1.82% above the Virginia average P90 ($202,687).
2019 BLS Actual
$179,980
2025 BLS Actual
$199,967
2026 Current Est.
$206,366
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $179,980 | Actual |
| 2020 | $182,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $192,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $185,279 | Actual |
| 2023 | $194,584 | Actual |
| 2024 | $196,775 | Actual |
| 2025 | $199,967 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $206,366 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $212,970 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Bristol saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $179,980 in 2019 to $199,967 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.20% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $212,970 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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.
Maximizing Your Actuary Earnings in Bristol
Dominating the higher salary ranges in Bristol are those actuaries specializing in life and annuity, health, and property & casualty (P&C) insurance, particularly within companies like Prudential and UnitedHealth. The compensation landscape varies markedly across types of employers, with consulting firms often offering premium pay for those holding advanced credentials. Leadership roles, such as a chief actuary or managing actuary, become attainable through the ASA-to-FSA progression, which can take five to eight years, depending on exam success. Advanced qualifications, coupled with hands-on experience in areas like predictive analytics or reinsurance pricing, can propel salaries significantly. Non-salary compensation drivers, including bonuses for credential completion and benefits for study time, further incentivize ambitious actuaries to refine their skills and credentials in pursuit of the top actuary salary in Bristol, Virginia.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Bristol in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Bristol?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Bristol?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Bristol?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Bristol?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $199,967 for actuaries in the Bristol metro area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol 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