Actuary Salary in Charleston, WV: $100,311 (2026)

Actuary Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median actuary salary of $100,311, which is $4,559 above the West Virginia state average of $95,752. Compared to the national median of $113,990, Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Charleston's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $100,311 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,990 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for actuarys seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for actuarys in Charleston spans from $60,192 at the 10th percentile to $172,489 at the 90th percentile — a $112,297 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,600, while senior actuarys with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $154,000. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Actuary Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level actuary earns around $61,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $154,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$61,600

$-8,400 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$101,200

$-13,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$154,000

$-21,000 vs national

Percentile	Charleston	WV State	National
10th Percentile	$60,192	$57,456	$68,400
25th Percentile	$76,736	$73,248	$87,200
Median (50th)	$100,311	$95,752	$113,990
75th Percentile	$132,880	$126,840	$151,000
90th Percentile	$172,489	$164,648	$196,010

Percentile

Charleston

10th Percentile

$60,192

25th Percentile

$76,736

Median (50th)

$100,311

75th Percentile

$132,880

90th Percentile

$172,489

How to Become a Actuary in Charleston

Education

Most actuary positions require a bachelor's degree. Charleston and the surrounding West Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Statistical ModelingRisk AssessmentFinancial MathematicsExcel/VBASQLActuarial Exams

Job Outlook

Nationally, actuary employment is projected to grow 21% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Actuary Salary in Charleston

How much does a Actuary make in Charleston, WV? ▼

The median actuary salary in Charleston, West Virginia is $100,311 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $113,990. Salaries range from $60,192 (10th percentile) to $172,489 (90th percentile).

How much does a Actuary make per hour in Charleston? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $100,311, a actuary in Charleston earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Charleston compare to the West Virginia state average for actuary pay? ▼

Charleston's median actuary salary of $100,311 is 4.8% above the West Virginia state average of $95,752. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Charleston, WV? ▼

Charleston has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a actuary salary of $100,311 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a actuary in Charleston? ▼

Most actuary positions in Charleston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Statistical Modeling, Risk Assessment, Financial Mathematics, Excel/VBA. The job market is projected to grow 21% nationally over the next decade.

Actuary Salary in Charleston, West Virginia