Portland vs Sanford: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Portland, ME and Sanford, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, ME | Sanford, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $142,643▲ | $124,828 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.58▲ | $60.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,322▲ | $84,195 |
| 25th Percentile | $120,207▲ | $99,034 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,643 | $155,830▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,539 | $188,376▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sanford.
The salary gap between Portland and Sanford is $17,815 (14.27%). 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 Portland spans $80,217,Sanford spans $104,181. Sanford 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, Portland ($140,041 effective) pays 11.74% more than Sanford ($125,329 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Sanford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($188,376)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Portland grew 44.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Sanford over the same period.
Portland, ME
$95,900 (2019) → $138,220 (2025)
Sanford, ME
$107,000 (2024) → $120,957 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, ME
Sanford, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Portland or Sanford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Sanford?
Should I relocate from Portland to Sanford as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Portland vs Sanford?
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