Salem vs Woodburn: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Salem, OR and Woodburn, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | Woodburn, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,753▲ | $135,393 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.19▲ | $65.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,057 | $82,422▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $100,622 | $100,833▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $178,885▲ | $173,304 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $216,618▲ | $209,859 |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Woodburn.
The salary gap between Salem and Woodburn is $4,360 (3.22%). 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 Salem spans $135,561,Woodburn spans $127,437. Salem 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, Salem ($136,212 effective) pays 3.22% more than Woodburn ($131,962 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Woodburn if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Salem grew 6.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.6% growth in Woodburn over the same period.
Salem, OR
$127,086 (2024) → $135,420 (2025)
Woodburn, OR
$123,122 (2024) → $131,195 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Woodburn, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Salem or Woodburn?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Woodburn?
Should I relocate from Salem to Woodburn as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Salem vs Woodburn?
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