Actuary Pay

Roanoke vs Waynesboro: Actuary Salary (2026)

Compare actuary salaries between Roanoke, VA and Waynesboro, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Roanoke, VA
$137,270
$66.00/hr
Waynesboro, VA
$131,536
$63.24/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRoanoke, VAWaynesboro, VA
Median Salary$137,270$131,536
Hourly Rate$66.00$63.24
Entry Level (P10)$83,120$81,733
25th Percentile$102,564$98,964
75th Percentile$175,706$164,094
Top Earner (P90)$212,770$203,880
Total Employed164
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Roanoke ($137,270) and Waynesboro ($131,536) actuary salaries.RoanokeWaynesboroMedian Salary$137,270$131,536Entry Level (P10)$83,120$81,733Top Earner (P90)$212,770$203,880US Median $134,160

Verdict

Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waynesboro.

The salary gap between Roanoke and Waynesboro is $5,734 (4.36%). 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,Waynesboro spans $122,147. Roanoke has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Roanoke
P10 (Entry)$83,120
P25$102,564
Median$137,270
P75$175,706
P90 (Top)$212,770
Waynesboro
P10 (Entry)$81,733
P25$98,964
Median$131,536
P75$164,094
P90 (Top)$203,880

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Roanoke ($133,014 effective) pays 4.36% more than Waynesboro ($127,457 effective).

Roanoke
Nominal: $137,270
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $133,014
Waynesboro
Nominal: $131,536
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $127,457

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 Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro over the same period.

Roanoke, VA

+1.6%

$130,967 (2024) → $133,014 (2025)

Waynesboro, VA

+1.6%

$125,496 (2024) → $127,457 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays actuarys more: Roanoke or Waynesboro?

Roanoke has a higher median actuary salary at $137,270/year, compared to Waynesboro at $131,536/year — a difference of $5,734 (4.36%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Waynesboro?

Roanoke actuarys earn $66.00/hr while Waynesboro hygienists earn $63.24/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Roanoke to Waynesboro as a actuary?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Roanoke and Waynesboro. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Roanoke = $133,014, Waynesboro = $127,457), job availability (16 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level actuarys earn in Roanoke vs Waynesboro?

Entry-level (10th percentile) actuarys earn $83,120 in Roanoke and $81,733 in Waynesboro. The Roanoke area offers higher starting salaries.
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

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