Actuary Salary in Fairfax, VA: $132,182 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Fairfax, VA earns a median $132,182/year (≈ $63.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Fairfax's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $128,083 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Emphasizing the specialties of the Society of Actuaries (SOA) versus the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS), the median annual actuary salary in Fairfax, Virginia, is projected to reach $132,182 in 2026. This figure reflects estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost of living considerations. The salary range here is diverse as well, spanning from $82,819 at the 10th percentile to $204,882 at the 90th percentile. Although this salary figure is slightly below the national median of $134,160 for the same year, the Fairfax market presents unique opportunities for actuaries, particularly those pursuing careers in life and health versus property and casualty insurance.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,819 | $39.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,261 | $48.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,182 | $63.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $168,370 | $80.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $204,882 | $98.50 |
Median Salary Position
1.47% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfax
In Fairfax, VA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,063 (2026 est.). At $132,182, the local median is 1.47% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfax: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfax Actuary Pay Compares
Fairfax median: $132,182/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfax Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $138,410 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -1.47% less |
Actuarys in Fairfax, VA earn a median of $132,182 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.47% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $138,410.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfax has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfax, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $132,182 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $128,083 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,752
2025 BLS Actual
$128,083
2026 Current Est.
$132,182
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,752 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,393 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,338 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,309 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,230 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,112 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,083 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,182 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,411 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfax metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $106,752 (2019) to $128,083 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,411 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,659 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfax 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $82,819 – $100,261 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,261 – $132,182 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,182 – $168,370 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $168,370 – $204,882 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Fairfax
Currently, Fairfax has a small, yet focused pool of actuaries, with only four professionals employed in the area. The cost of living index at 103.2 suggests that while salaries are competitive, the higher-than-average living expenses can impact overall purchasing power. Employers such as Prudential and MetLife often provide the best compensation packages, especially for those in life insurance roles, as they cater to a market that appreciates the actuarial insights behind risk management. The salary variations depend significantly on exam progression and specialization; actuaries achieving Fellows status in either SOA or CAS typically earn a substantial premium. Candidates focused on enhancing their credentials through passed exams can expect increments in salary ranging from $3,000 to $8,000 for each milestone. For those examining how much do actuaries make in Fairfax, it’s clear that strategic career choices and continuous education are vital in maximizing compensation within this evolving local job market.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $128,083 for actuariesin the Fairfax metropolitan area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fairfax 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