Senior Actuary Salary in Virginia Beach, VA: $183,386 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Virginia Beach, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $183,386/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Virginia Beach's price premium (BEA RPP 97.9, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $187,241 in average-cost America. The 75% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Virginia Beach, senior actuaries positioned at the top of the market can expect significant financial rewards, with the potential to earn as much as $183,386 annually. This impressive figure exemplifies a substantial gap between the median salary of $104,738 for experienced professionals and the earnings of top-tier actuaries. Factors that contribute to reaching this upper echelon of pay include a combination of advanced actuarial credentials such as Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) or Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS), specialization in high-demand areas, and extensive hands-on experience that can elevate one's professional standing. Such distinctions not only highlight expertise but also directly influence negotiating power, ensuring ambitious actuaries in Virginia Beach can command top salaries.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Virginia Beach
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Virginia Beach earn between $156,028 and $183,386 per year (2026 est.). This $98,741 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Virginia Beach median of $104,738 sits 21.93% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Virginia Beach | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $104,738 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,028 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $183,386 | $221,983 |
In Virginia Beach, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 75.09% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Virginia Beach
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $104,738 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Virginia Beach employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Virginia Beach command premium compensation, often reaching the $156,028–$183,386 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Virginia Beach metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedVirginia Beach ranks #40 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $183,386).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Virginia Beach ($183,386) is 9.52% below the Virginia average P90 ($202,687).
2019 BLS Actual
$159,938
2025 BLS Actual
$177,700
2026 Current Est.
$183,386
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Virginia Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $159,938 | Actual |
| 2020 | $161,929 | Actual |
| 2021 | $170,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $164,647 | Actual |
| 2023 | $172,917 | Actual |
| 2024 | $220,103 | Actual |
| 2025 | $177,700 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $183,386 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $189,255 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Virginia Beach saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $159,938 in 2019 to $177,700 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 $189,255 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach
Specializations such as life and annuity, health, and enterprise risk management often lead to compensation packages that exceed standard market rates in Virginia Beach. Senior actuaries employed by large life insurance firms like Prudential and MetLife generally receive higher salaries compared to their counterparts in property and casualty companies or consulting firms. This variation in pay is further influenced by employer type; for example, consulting firms place a premium on candidates with FSA or FCAS designations, valuing their insights and expertise. Advancement in the actuarial profession is typically marked by a clear pathway from actuarial analyst roles to chief actuary positions, often enhanced by the ASA-to-FSA exam progression that demands a significant investment of time and effort. Additionally, non-salary benefits such as study-time allowances and signing bonuses for exam completions can also play a critical role in the overall compensation package for senior actuaries in Virginia Beach.
More salary data for Virginia Beach, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Virginia Beach in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Virginia Beach?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Virginia Beach?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Virginia Beach?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Virginia Beach?
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
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 $177,700 for actuaries in the Virginia Beach 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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