Medford vs Salem: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Medford, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Medford, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,456 | $139,753▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.64 | $67.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,129▲ | $81,057 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,274▲ | $100,622 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,104 | $178,885▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $208,407 | $216,618▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | 44▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Medford.
The salary gap between Medford and Salem is $5,297 (3.94%). Salem's median is +4.17% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Medford spans $124,278,Salem spans $135,561. Salem 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, Salem ($136,212 effective) pays 3.94% more than Medford ($131,049 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Medford if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,753/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($216,618)
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,212)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Medford grew 6.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.6% growth in Salem over the same period.
Medford, OR
$122,270 (2024) → $130,287 (2025)
Salem, OR
$127,086 (2024) → $135,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Medford, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Medford or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Medford and Salem?
Should I relocate from Medford to Salem as a actuary?
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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