Pendleton vs Portland: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Pendleton, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pendleton, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,230 | $133,231▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.57 | $64.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,703 | $85,522▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $101,332 | $104,954▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $169,254 | $173,861▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,695▲ | $183,913 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pendleton.
The salary gap between Pendleton and Portland is $1,001 (0.76%). 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 Pendleton spans $116,992,Portland spans $98,391. Pendleton 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, Pendleton ($128,879 effective) pays 1.98% 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 Pendleton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($201,695)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,879)
- ✓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 Pendleton grew 6.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.0% growth in Portland over the same period.
Pendleton, OR
$120,246 (2024) → $128,130 (2025)
Portland, OR
$99,280 (2019) → $129,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pendleton, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Pendleton or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pendleton and 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