Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Ashland, OR: $80,130 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Ashland, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,130 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ashland's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,099 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($130,471) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New actuarial graduates in Ashland, Oregon can expect a competitive starting actuary salary, with entry-level positions projected to pay around $80,130 in 2026. This figure illustrates a notable gap when compared to the city's overall median annual salary of $130,471, indicating that starting pay might initially feel modest. However, for new grads, there’s potential for growth. As one gains experience and further credentials, salaries can rise, with the 25th percentile reaching $102,916 within a few years. Given Ashland's favorable position for retaining actuaries, particularly with its close-knit professional environment and connections to various employers, it presents a viable market for recent graduates entering this field.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ashland
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashland
Entry-level actuarys in Ashland, OR typically start between $80,130 and $102,916 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $122,100 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $130,471 — 2.75% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Oregon of $58,000 represents just 72.38% of the starting actuary pay ($80,130/year) in Ashland. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover bachelor's degree tuition at public and private universities, plus estimated actuarial exam fees and study materials. Employers often cover exam costs once employed.
ASA, FSA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Ashland
- 1Research the Ashland market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $80,130 to $102,916, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the actuarial science field — employers in OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Ashland, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Ashland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ashland's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Ashland is $122,100 ( 152.38%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,130, experienced hygienists can earn up to $202,230.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,096
2025 BLS Actual
$77,645
2026 Current Est.
$80,130
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,096 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,253 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,515 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,915 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,493 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,091 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,645 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,130 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,694 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Ashland, OR grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,096 in 2019 to $77,645 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,694. New graduates entering the Ashland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your actuarial science Career in Ashland
Several companies operating in Ashland actively seek to hire new actuaries, with firms like Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual recruiting from local colleges for entry-level roles. These employers often provide structured study time for actuarial exams, which are critical for career advancement. Candidates with strong foundational education—particularly in mathematics or actuarial science—stand a better chance at securing higher starting salaries. Furthermore, pursuing additional credentials like the ASA or ACAS can significantly influence overall compensation; passing each exam generally adds between $3,000 and $8,000 to an entry-level salary. Consulting firms such as Milliman, Mercer, and Aon typically pay more for FSAs and FCAS professionals, thereby creating a salary gradient that new graduates should consider when planning their careers.
More salary data for Ashland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Ashland in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Ashland?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Ashland?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Ashland?
How do I become a actuary in Oregon?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new actuarial science graduates. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Ashland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ashland is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for actuarys (SOC 15-2011).
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov