Actuary Pay

Senior Actuary Salary in Newport News, VA: $216,271 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Newport News, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $216,271/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Newport News's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $209,565 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$216,271
Top 10% Earn
$103.97/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$178,598
75th Percentile
$216,271
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Actuary Senior Salary in Newport News, VA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Newport News, VA actuary senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, experienced actuaries in Newport News can expect to see substantial earnings, with top-tier salaries reaching up to $216,271 at the 90th percentile. The median annual salary for seasoned professionals stands at $139,529, indicating a significant disparity in potential earnings with the highest-paid specialists rewarded handsomely for their expertise. To attain such lucrative positions, actuaries typically need over seven years of experience, advanced technical skills, and impactful contributions within their organizations. Those who excel in complex areas such as predictive analytics or enterprise risk management often make strides toward these peak earnings, positioning themselves ahead of their peers in a competitive job market that favors top applicants.

About the Newport News Market

Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newport News

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for actuarys in Newport News. The median salary is $139,529, compared to the national median of $134,160.$78.8K$115.9K$153.0K$190.0K$227.1K$87.6K10th Pctl$106.9K25th Pctl$139.5KMedian$178.6K75th Pctl$216.3K90th PctlUS Median$134.2K

Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Newport News earn between $178,598 and $216,271 per year (2026 est.). This $128,667 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Newport News median of $139,529 sits 4% above the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of actuary pay in the Newport News metro area.

Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison

LevelNewport NewsNational
Median (P50)$139,529$134,160
75th Percentile$178,598$176,111
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$216,271$221,983

In Newport News, 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 Newport News

1

Advanced Certifications in Virginia

VA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $139,529 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Newport News employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Newport News command premium compensation, often reaching the $178,598–$216,271 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Newport News metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured actuaries in Newport News with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

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 Newport News

Clinical Actuary

0-5 years
$87,604 – $139,529

Senior/Lead Actuary

5-10 years
$139,529 – $178,598

Actuary Department Manager

10+ years
$178,598+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Newport News ranks #3 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $216,271).

Top 10% actuary compensation in Newport News ($216,271) is 6.7% above the Virginia average P90 ($202,687).

2019 BLS Actual

$188,618

2025 BLS Actual

$209,565

2026 Current Est.

$216,271

2019–2027 Growth

+18.3%

Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Newport News (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for actuaries in Newport News. Baseline $188,618 in 2025, projected to $223,192 by 2027.$181.7K$193.8K$205.9K$218.0K$230.1K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$188.6K$191.0K$201.5K$194.2K$203.9K$206.3K$209.6K$216.3K$223.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$188,618Actual
2020$190,966Actual
2021$201,498Actual
2022$194,172Actual
2023$203,924Actual
2024$206,341Actual
2025$209,565Actual
2026(current)$216,271Estimated
2027$223,192Projected

Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Newport News saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $188,618 in 2019 to $209,565 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 $223,192 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newport News metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Newport News

Compensation structures for senior actuaries in Newport News vary markedly based on specialization and organizational type. Areas like life and annuity, property and casualty, and capital modeling are particularly lucrative, reflecting the increased complexity and demand for particular skills in these fields. Employers also influence pay; for instance, consulting firms frequently offer higher compensation compared to traditional insurance companies, with firms like Mercer and Aon seeking accredited professionals who have passed multiple actuarial exams. Notably, obtaining additional credentials, such as becoming a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA), can provide a substantial pay increase, elevating an actuary’s worth in a competitive environment. Advancement often follows a defined pathway, moving from roles such as an actuarial analyst to positions like chief actuary, where both technical acumen and leadership are critical. The structure of salaries here supports ambitious growth along the ASA-to-FSA continuum, allowing diligent actuaries to reap the financial rewards of their dedication in Newport News, VA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced actuaries make in Newport News in 2026?

Top-earning actuaries in Newport News (90th percentile) make $216,271/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.20% annual growth). This is $76,742 more than the area median of $139,529 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior actuaries typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher actuary pay in Newport News?

Higher actuary pay in Newport News is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost actuary salary in Newport News?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for actuaries in Newport News include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $139,529, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Newport News?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Newport News is $216,271, well above $100K. Actuaries with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does actuary salary increase over time in Newport News?

In Newport News, the gap between entry level ($87,604) and top earners ($216,271) is $128,667, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

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MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Patel, ASA, MAAAData verified by Aisha Khan, FSA, CERA

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 $209,565 for actuaries in the Newport News 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 Newport News is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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