Senior Actuary Salary in Chesapeake, VA: $162,973 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Chesapeake, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $162,973/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Chesapeake's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $157,920 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 2026, experienced actuaries in Chesapeake, Virginia, can expect to see a median annual salary of $105,144, with the top earners (P90) reaching up to $162,973. This reflects a significant potential for income growth within an industry that rewards expertise and specialization. The gap between the median and top-tier salaries demonstrates the advantages that come with experience and advanced certifications. Achieving such high compensation often requires years of dedication to passing actuarial exams, securing designations like ASA or FSA, and continually developing expertise in areas such as predictive analytics and capital modeling. This remarkable potential for higher earnings distinguishes the experienced actuary salary in Chesapeake from other professions in the region, particularly as the market continues to evolve.
About the Chesapeake Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chesapeake
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Chesapeake earn between $134,585 and $162,973 per year (2026 est.). This $101,989 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Chesapeake median of $105,144 sits 21.63% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Chesapeake | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $105,144 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,585 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $162,973 | $221,983 |
In Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $105,144 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Chesapeake employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Chesapeake command premium compensation, often reaching the $134,585–$162,973 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Chesapeake metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedChesapeake ranks #42 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $162,973).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Chesapeake ($162,973) is 19.59% below the Virginia average P90 ($202,687).
2019 BLS Actual
$142,135
2025 BLS Actual
$157,920
2026 Current Est.
$162,973
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $142,135 | Actual |
| 2020 | $143,905 | Actual |
| 2021 | $151,841 | Actual |
| 2022 | $146,320 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,669 | Actual |
| 2024 | $211,710 | Actual |
| 2025 | $157,920 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $162,973 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $168,189 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Chesapeake saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $142,135 in 2019 to $157,920 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 $168,189 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake
Compensation for senior actuaries in Chesapeake tends to vary according to their areas of specialization and the sectors they work in. Those focused on life and annuities, health coverage, or predictive analytics can see considerable premiums in their pay, particularly when positioned within leading firms or consulting practices like Mercer or Aon. For example, actuaries in property and casualty insurance, pension consulting, or enterprise risk management may also realize notable increases as they cultivate targeted skills specific to high-demand markets. Senior-level actuarial roles often follow a well-defined trajectory, starting with actuarial analysts and advancing through ASA to FSA designations, enhancing earning potential significantly. Furthermore, employers often incentivize academic advancement through rewards such as signing bonuses and pay raises correlated with exam completions. This focused approach to career development and credentialing, when strategically navigated, can position actuaries in Chesapeake to achieve some of the highest pay rates in the state.
More salary data for Chesapeake, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Chesapeake in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Chesapeake?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Chesapeake?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Chesapeake?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Chesapeake?
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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 $157,920 for actuaries in the Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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