Senior Actuary Salary in Suffolk, VA: $211,004 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Suffolk, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $211,004/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Suffolk's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $204,461 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 Suffolk, Virginia, senior actuaries can anticipate a lucrative career marked by substantial earning potential, with 2026 projections indicating top-tier salaries reaching $211,004 at the 90th percentile. By comparison, the median annual salary for experienced practitioners stands at $136,131, highlighting a significant gap that showcases the rewards associated with advanced expertise and specialized knowledge. Achieving top actuary salary in Suffolk requires a combination of experience, credentialing, and in-demand skills often honed over several years. Those who pursue further certifications and progressive roles, such as advancement to Fellow status, can unlock the highest tiers of compensation in this flourishing market.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Suffolk earn between $174,248 and $211,004 per year (2026 est.). This $124,277 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Suffolk median of $136,131 sits 1.47% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Suffolk | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $136,131 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $174,248 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $211,004 | $221,983 |
In Suffolk, 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 Suffolk
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $136,131 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Suffolk employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Suffolk command premium compensation, often reaching the $174,248–$211,004 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Suffolk metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Suffolk 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 Suffolk
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSuffolk ranks #11 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $211,004).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Suffolk ($211,004) is 4.1% above the Virginia average P90 ($202,687).
2019 BLS Actual
$184,024
2025 BLS Actual
$204,461
2026 Current Est.
$211,004
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $184,024 | Actual |
| 2020 | $186,315 | Actual |
| 2021 | $196,591 | Actual |
| 2022 | $189,442 | Actual |
| 2023 | $198,957 | Actual |
| 2024 | $201,316 | Actual |
| 2025 | $204,461 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $211,004 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $217,756 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Suffolk saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $184,024 in 2019 to $204,461 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 $217,756 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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 Suffolk
Specializations within the actuarial domain, particularly in life and annuity, health, and property and casualty insurance, command premium pay in Suffolk, with certain sectors such as reinsurance firms or consulting practices offering even higher salaries. For senior actuaries, the nature of employment can greatly influence their earnings; life insurance firms like Prudential or property & casualty insurers such as State Farm frequently present competitive salary structures. Leadership trajectories in this profession typically follow a clear path from actuarial analyst to management roles, reflecting the increased responsibilities that accompany advanced credentials. Furthermore, pursuing additional certifications like ASA or FSA can significantly enhance earning potential. Non-salary benefits, including exam progression opportunities and study time allowances, also contribute positively to the overall compensation package for senior actuaries in the region.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Suffolk in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Suffolk?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Suffolk?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Suffolk?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Suffolk?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 $204,461 for actuaries in the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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