Actuary Salary in Sterling, VA: $132,844 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Sterling, VA earns a median $132,844/year (≈ $63.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Sterling's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $128,725 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling, Virginia, the expected actuary salary in 2026 is projected at $132,844, which is slightly below the national median of $134,160 for the same year. Actuaries in this area can anticipate a salary range from $85,814 at the 10th percentile to as high as $205,909 at the 90th percentile. These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities. This competitive salary reflects a steady demand for skilled professionals in the field, particularly for those navigating the complexities of actuarial science and pursuing relevant credentials as they advance their careers in Sterling.
About the Sterling Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,814 | $41.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,047 | $48.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,844 | $63.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $170,041 | $81.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $205,909 | $99.00 |
Median Salary Position
0.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sterling
In Sterling, VA, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,095 (2026 est.). At $132,844, the local median is 0.98% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sterling: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sterling Actuary Pay Compares
Sterling median: $132,844/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sterling Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $138,524 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $134,160 | -0.98% less |
Actuarys in Sterling, VA earn a median of $132,844 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.98% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $138,524.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sterling has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sterling, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $132,844 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $128,725 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$107,287
2025 BLS Actual
$128,725
2026 Current Est.
$132,844
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Sterling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,287 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,941 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,861 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,872 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,823 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,744 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,725 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,844 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,095 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sterling metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $107,287 (2019) to $128,725 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,095 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,808 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sterling 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) | $85,814 – $100,047 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,047 – $132,844 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,844 – $170,041 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $170,041 – $205,909 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Sterling
The local job market reveals that there are currently seven actuaries employed in Sterling, signaling niche opportunities within this profession. The cost of living index stands at 103.2, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the local cost pressures may affect purchasing power. Leading employers in the region include life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, as well as health insurers such as UnitedHealth and Cigna. The vast pay range is influenced by factors like exam progression, where each passed exam can yield significant salary increases, and the difference between specialties—actuaries focusing on property and casualty tend to earn more than those in health or pension sectors. For those strategizing to maximize their pay in Sterling, targeting consulting firms known for rewarding FSAs and FCAS credentials can be particularly valuable, along with enhancing skill sets in predictive analytics to meet evolving market demands.
More salary data for Sterling, 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 $128,725 for actuariesin the Sterling 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 Sterling 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