Senior Actuary Salary in Staunton, VA: $205,758 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Staunton, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $205,758/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Staunton's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $199,378 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 Staunton, Virginia, senior actuaries can expect to see significant earning potential, with the upper echelons of the salary spectrum reaching $205,758 in 2026. This top actuary salary in Staunton represents a commendable level of compensation, only slightly below the national figure of $134,160. The median annual salary for experienced actuaries in Staunton is projected at $132,747, creating a notable gap between average earnings and what top-tier professionals can command. Achieving such lucrative compensation primarily requires a combination of extensive experience—typically seven or more years—as well as advanced professional designations and a specialization in high-demand areas that provide the experience premium that distinguishes top earners from their peers.
About the Staunton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Staunton
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Staunton earn between $169,917 and $205,758 per year (2026 est.). This $119,605 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Staunton median of $132,747 sits 1.05% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Staunton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $132,747 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $169,917 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $205,758 | $221,983 |
In Staunton, 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 Staunton
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $132,747 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Staunton employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Staunton command premium compensation, often reaching the $169,917–$205,758 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Staunton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Staunton 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 Staunton
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedStaunton ranks #28 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $205,758).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Staunton ($205,758) is 1.52% above the Virginia average P90 ($202,687).
2019 BLS Actual
$179,449
2025 BLS Actual
$199,378
2026 Current Est.
$205,758
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Staunton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $179,449 | Actual |
| 2020 | $181,683 | Actual |
| 2021 | $191,703 | Actual |
| 2022 | $184,733 | Actual |
| 2023 | $194,011 | Actual |
| 2024 | $196,311 | Actual |
| 2025 | $199,378 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $205,758 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $212,342 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Staunton saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $179,449 in 2019 to $199,378 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 $212,342 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Staunton 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 Staunton
A variety of specializations are essential for commanding premium pay in Staunton’s actuarial market. Professionals focusing on life and annuity, health insurance, and enterprise risk management are often among the highest compensated, with property & casualty (P&C) actuaries also enjoying robust salaries. Additionally, those working for major insurers like Prudential or consulting firms such as Mercer may see differences in compensation due to the employer type; consulting practices generally offer more lucrative pay packages, especially for those holding fellow credentials (FSA/FCAS). Advancement opportunities abound within the actuarial profession, where steps from an actuarial analyst to chief actuary can be strategically planned through one’s ASA to FSA trajectory. Non-salary compensation factors, such as bonuses linked to exam progress and specialized skill sets, further enhance the overall financial reward that experienced actuaries in VA can achieve, ensuring that they remain competitive in a growing field.
More salary data for Staunton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Staunton in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Staunton?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Staunton?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Staunton?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Staunton?
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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 $199,378 for actuaries in the Staunton 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 Staunton 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