Bangor vs Portland: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Bangor, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bangor, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,878 | $142,643▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.48 | $68.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,605 | $91,322▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $98,751 | $120,207▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $163,684▲ | $142,643 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $198,211▲ | $171,539 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bangor.
The salary gap between Bangor and Portland is $14,765 (11.55%). Portland's median is +6.32% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bangor spans $115,606,Portland spans $80,217. Bangor 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, Portland ($140,041 effective) pays 9.07% more than Bangor ($128,392 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bangor if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($198,211)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,643/year)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,041)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Bangor grew 13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 44.1% growth in Portland over the same period.
Bangor, ME
$109,615 (2024) → $123,913 (2025)
Portland, ME
$95,900 (2019) → $138,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bangor, ME
Portland, ME
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
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