Senior Actuary Salary in Norfolk, VA: $164,765 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Norfolk, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $164,765/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Norfolk's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $159,656 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Virginia, striving for an elevated career as a senior actuary can be lucrative, with the highest earners potentially reaching an impressive $164,765 in 2026. The median annual salary for experienced actuaries is projected at $106,300, highlighting a substantial gap to the upper tier of local salaries. The opportunity for top-tier pay comes from deep specialization and advanced qualifications, where professionals with a strong mathematical background and diverse actuarial credentials can differentiate themselves. Organizations across various sectors, including insurance and consulting, value the expertise that experienced actuaries offer, particularly as they navigate complex risk assessments and financial models.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Norfolk earn between $136,064 and $164,765 per year (2026 est.). This $103,111 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Norfolk median of $106,300 sits 20.77% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Norfolk | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $106,300 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,064 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $164,765 | $221,983 |
In Norfolk, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Norfolk
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $106,300 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Norfolk employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Norfolk command premium compensation, often reaching the $136,064–$164,765 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Norfolk metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Norfolk with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Actuaries in Virginia who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Actuary Career & Wage Growth Path in Norfolk
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedNorfolk ranks #41 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $164,765).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Norfolk ($164,765) is 18.71% below the Virginia average P90 ($202,687).
2019 BLS Actual
$143,698
2025 BLS Actual
$159,656
2026 Current Est.
$164,765
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $143,698 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,487 | Actual |
| 2021 | $153,510 | Actual |
| 2022 | $147,929 | Actual |
| 2023 | $155,358 | Actual |
| 2024 | $214,038 | Actual |
| 2025 | $159,656 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $164,765 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $170,037 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Norfolk saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $143,698 in 2019 to $159,656 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.20% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $170,037 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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.
Maximizing Your Actuary Earnings in Norfolk
Seeking distinctions in compensation, specialized fields influence the senior actuary pay landscape in Virginia. High-demand specializations such as predictive analytics, capital modeling, and enterprise risk management further propel salaries, particularly among employers like life insurance giants and consulting firms. For instance, firms such as Mercer and Aon frequently offer more competitive pay for fellows (FSA/FCAS), following a typical exam progression where each credential passed can increase base pay by $3,000 to $8,000. Leadership trajectories also pave the way for financial advancement; seasoned actuaries often rise from positions like actuarial analyst to chief actuary through accumulated experience and credentials such as ASA and FSA. Non-salary compensation incentives complement these roles, adding value through signing bonuses and study time benefits, making a career in the actuarial field in Norfolk attractive for those prepared to navigate the rigorous pathways to seniority.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Norfolk in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Norfolk?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Norfolk?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Norfolk?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Norfolk?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $159,656 for actuaries in the Norfolk metro area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Norfolk 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