Roanoke vs Suffolk: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Roanoke, VA and Suffolk, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Suffolk, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,270▲ | $136,131 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.00▲ | $65.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,120 | $86,727▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,564 | $104,607▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $175,706▲ | $174,248 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $212,770▲ | $211,004 |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Suffolk.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Suffolk is $1,139 (0.84%). Roanoke's median is +2.32% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $129,650,Suffolk spans $124,277. Roanoke has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Roanoke ($133,014 effective) pays 0.84% more than Suffolk ($131,910 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,270/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($212,770)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,014)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Suffolk if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Roanoke grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in Suffolk over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$130,967 (2024) → $133,014 (2025)
Suffolk, VA
$129,881 (2024) → $131,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Suffolk, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov