Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Hillsboro, OR: $80,613 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Hillsboro, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,613 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hillsboro's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,570 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($136,263) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the actuarial field in Hillsboro, Oregon, the starting actuary salary is projected to be around $80,613 in 2026. This represents a significant gap from the city’s median annual salary of $136,263, suggesting that early-career professionals will likely see an upward trend in earnings as they gain experience and credentials. The growth trajectory is promising; entry-level actuaries can expect to reach the 25th percentile salary of $100,373 within a few years, bringing them closer to the industry median. Given the 3.20% annual growth rate in this sector, Hillsboro appears to be a favorable market for new graduates, providing a solid foundation for career advancement and salary increases in the years to come.
About the Hillsboro Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hillsboro
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 Hillsboro
Entry-level actuarys in Hillsboro, OR typically start between $80,613 and $100,373 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $130,595 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $136,263 — 1.57% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Oregon of $58,000 represents just 71.95% of the starting actuary pay ($80,613/year) in Hillsboro. 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 Hillsboro
- 1Research the Hillsboro market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $80,613 to $100,373, 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 Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hillsboro'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 Hillsboro is $130,595 ( 162.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,613, experienced hygienists can earn up to $211,208.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,483
2025 BLS Actual
$78,113
2026 Current Est.
$80,613
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Hillsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,483 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,646 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,892 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,343 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,942 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,714 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,113 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,613 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,192 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Hillsboro, OR grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,483 in 2019 to $78,113 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,192. New graduates entering the Hillsboro job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro
In Hillsboro, several prominent employers actively recruit recent grads for entry-level actuarial positions. Major life insurers such as Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual frequently hire through campus recruitment, offering structured exam study time essential for actuarial certification. Health insurance companies also seek new talent, while consulting firms like Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW often pay higher starting salaries for candidates with ASA credentials. Educational preparation, such as obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics or actuarial science, and resources like VEE credits, can enhance earning potential. Aspiring professionals should focus on passing actuarial exams because each successful exam attempt can lead to a $3,000 to $8,000 salary boost. Realistic salary growth expectations for the first few years can vary widely based on exam progression and the pathway toward the FSA credential, illuminating the diverse pay landscape within the industry.
More salary data for Hillsboro, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 Hillsboro. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hillsboro 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