Lewiston vs Meridian: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Lewiston, ID and Meridian, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lewiston, ID | Meridian, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,434 | $104,828▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.29 | $50.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,673▲ | $65,475 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,145 | $79,839▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,556 | $134,181▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,673 | $162,484▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 30▲ |
Verdict
Meridian, ID offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lewiston.
The salary gap between Lewiston and Meridian is $4,394 (4.38%). Meridian's median is -21.86% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lewiston spans $90,000,Meridian spans $97,009. Meridian has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Meridian ($109,998 effective) pays 4.38% more than Lewiston ($105,387 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,828/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,484)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,998)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Lewiston grew 1.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.1% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Lewiston, ID
$96,228 (2024) → $97,320 (2025)
Meridian, ID
$100,439 (2024) → $101,578 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ID
Meridian, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Lewiston or Meridian?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lewiston and Meridian?
Should I relocate from Lewiston to Meridian as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Lewiston vs Meridian?
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