Actuary Salary in Roanoke, VA: $137,270 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Roanoke, VA earns a median $137,270/year (≈ $66.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Roanoke's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $133,014 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Roanoke, Virginia, the actuarial profession is characterized by a competitive earning potential, with a median annual salary of $137,270 in 2026. This figure surpasses the national median of $134,160, highlighting a favorable local market for actuaries. Salaries range from $83,120 at the 10th percentile to $212,770 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning variations based on experience, credentials, and market focus. Those specializing in life, health, and pension through the Society of Actuaries (SOA) may find opportunities that differ greatly in compensation compared to their counterparts in property and casualty as governed by the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, suggest that Roanoke offers a robust market for actuarial talent.
About the Roanoke Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,120 | $39.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,564 | $49.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,270 | $66.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $175,706 | $84.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $212,770 | $102.29 |
Median Salary Position
2.32% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Roanoke
In Roanoke, VA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $129,650 (2026 est.). At $137,270, the local median is 2.32% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Roanoke: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Roanoke Actuary Pay Compares
Roanoke median: $137,270/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Roanoke Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $138,517 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | +2.32% more |
Actuarys in Roanoke, VA earn a median of $137,270 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.32% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 0.90% below the Virginia state average of $138,517.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Roanoke has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Roanoke, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,270 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $133,014 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,862
2025 BLS Actual
$133,014
2026 Current Est.
$137,270
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Roanoke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,862 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,604 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,355 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,633 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,782 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,967 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,014 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,270 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,663 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Roanoke metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $110,862 (2019) to $133,014 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,663 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,801 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Roanoke 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) | $83,120 – $102,564 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,564 – $137,270 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,270 – $175,706 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $175,706 – $212,770 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Roanoke
The job market for actuaries in Roanoke is underpinned by a smaller professional community of 16 individuals currently employed, yet the local economy reflects a steady growth rate of 3.20% annually for the actuarial field. The cost of living index stands at 103.2, which slightly above the national average, affects the practical purchasing power of actuarial salaries in the region. Employers in the area, such as Prudential and UnitedHealth, typically offer higher salaries, especially for candidates holding advanced credentials like the FSA or FCAS designation. This market dynamics induces a notable pay gap, where those passing additional exams can request higher compensation, with each passed exam generally yielding an increase of $3,000 to $8,000. To maximize opportunities and earning potential, aspiring actuaries in Roanoke are encouraged to focus on exam progression, gain industry-relevant consulting experience, and refine specialized skills, particularly in predictive analytics and data science, which are increasingly sought after in today’s fast-evolving landscape.
More salary data for Roanoke, 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
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 $133,014 for actuariesin the Roanoke 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 Roanoke 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