Ashland vs Portland: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Ashland, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashland, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,471 | $133,231▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.72 | $64.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,130 | $85,522▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,916 | $104,954▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,316 | $173,861▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $202,230▲ | $183,913 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ashland.
The salary gap between Ashland and Portland is $2,760 (2.12%). Portland's median is -0.69% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $122,100,Portland spans $98,391. Ashland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ashland ($127,165 effective) pays 0.62% more than Portland ($126,380 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($202,230)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,165)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,231/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Ashland grew 6.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.0% growth in Portland over the same period.
Ashland, OR
$118,645 (2024) → $126,425 (2025)
Portland, OR
$99,280 (2019) → $129,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashland, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Ashland or Portland?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov